die Begnadigung
pardon
The official act by which the punishment of a convicted person is waived.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt reichte ein Gesuch für die Begnadigung seines Mandanten ein.
The lawyer submitted a petition for the pardon of his client.
die Begnadigung
pardon
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Begnadigung' (pardon) is the noun derived from the verb 'begnadigen' (to pardon) and belongs to the word family of 'die Gnade' (mercy). The ending '-ung' signals that it refers to the process or result of the action.
EXAMPLE
Die Familie des Verurteilten hofft auf seine Begnadigung.
The convicted person's family hopes for his pardon.
Typical collocations
This noun is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'eine Begnadigung beantragen' (to apply for a pardon), 'ein Gesuch um Begnadigung einreichen' (to submit a petition for a pardon), and 'eine Begnadigung gewähren' (to grant a pardon).
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident gewährte dem Journalisten die volle Begnadigung.
The president granted the journalist a full pardon.
Grammatical patterns
To say who the pardon is for, German often uses the genitive or the preposition 'für' (for). For example: 'die Begnadigung des Gefangenen' (the prisoner's pardon / the pardon of the prisoner) or 'die Begnadigung für den Gefangenen' (the pardon for the prisoner).
EXAMPLE
Die Begnadigung des politischen Aktivisten wurde international gefeiert.
The pardon of the political activist was celebrated internationally.
Compare with
Begnadigung vs Gnade
grace / mercy
Die Gnade and die Begnadigung can both refer to a sentence being waived. Gnade describes mercy or a merciful decision in general. Begnadigung, by contrast, is the official form of waiving the sentence for a convicted person. Use Begnadigung when the formal act is the focus.
Begnadigung
Die Begnadigung des verurteilten Mannes wurde am Morgen offiziell bekannt gegeben.
The convicted man's pardon was officially announced in the morning.
Gnade
Der Präsident zeigte Gnade und erließ dem verurteilten Mann den Rest seiner Strafe.
The president showed mercy and waived the rest of the convicted man's sentence.
In real life
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