declaration / confession
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declaration
A public declaration or acknowledgment of one's own conviction, attitude, feelings, or affiliation with something.
Sein klares Bekenntnis zu den Menschenrechten wurde von allen begrüßt.
His clear declaration in support of human rights was welcomed by everyone.
confession
The admission of guilt or of an act, especially a criminal offense; a confession.
Nach langem Zögern legte der Angeklagte ein umfassendes Bekenntnis ab.
After long hesitation, the defendant made a comprehensive confession.
denomination
A formal declaration of one's religious faith; a denomination.
In Deutschland gibt es verschiedene christliche Bekenntnisse.
There are various Christian denominations in Germany.
The noun 'Bekenntnis' (declaration / confession) is derived from the verb 'bekennen' (to profess / confess). This verb means to openly admit a conviction or an act. The ending '-nis' turns the verb into a noun that describes the act or result of professing or confessing.
Er musste sich zu seinem Fehler bekennen.
He had to admit to his mistake.
'Bekenntnis' (declaration / confession) is very often combined with the verb 'ablegen' (to make / give). The phrase 'ein Bekenntnis ablegen' means to make a formal or public declaration.
Vor Gericht legte der Zeuge ein überraschendes Bekenntnis ab.
In court, the witness made a surprising confession.
The context reveals the exact meaning: if it is about politics or values, it means a public declaration. In connection with court or police, it refers to a confession. Words like 'Glaube' (faith) or 'Kirche' (church) point to the religious meaning.
Sein Bekenntnis zur Gewaltlosigkeit war für alle ein wichtiges Signal.
His declaration of commitment to nonviolence was an important signal for everyone.
If you want to express what someone professes or commits themselves to, you use the preposition 'zu' followed by the dative. This structure emphasizes affiliation with or support for an idea or group.
Das Unternehmen formulierte ein Bekenntnis zu mehr Nachhaltigkeit.
The company formulated a commitment to greater sustainability.
confession
Both words can refer to admitting to a crime. Geständnis is the neutral standard term, especially with the police and in court. Bekenntnis sounds more like an explicit personal or public declaration of one's own guilt.
In einer öffentlichen Erklärung legte der Täter ein Bekenntnis zu seiner Schuld ab.
In a public statement, the perpetrator confessed to the crime.
Bei der Polizei legte der Täter ein Geständnis zu seiner Schuld ab.
At the police station, the perpetrator confessed to the crime.
