01
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
'Gnade' and 'Begnadigung' can both mean that a punishment is not carried out, or not carried out in full. 'Gnade' is more general and describes a merciful decision or attitude. 'Begnadigung' is more specific and official: a convicted person has their punishment waived through a legal act. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone is not punished harshly. If you are talking about the feeling or the lenient decision, 'Gnade' fits. If it is about the official procedure after a judgment, 'Begnadigung' is more precise.
Begnadigung
Nach vielen Jahren im Gefängnis beantragte der Mann eine Begnadigung.
After many years in prison, the man applied for a pardon.
Gnade
Der König ließ Gnade walten und schickte den Gefangenen nicht zurück ins Gefängnis.
The king showed mercy and did not send the prisoner back to prison.
In real life
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