bekunden
to declare
To clearly and often officially express a feeling, intention, or opinion.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem Schreiben möchte ich mein Interesse an der Stelle bekunden.
With this letter, I would like to declare my interest in the position.
bekunden
to declare / testify
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Meanings
bekunden
to testify
To make a statement as a witness before a court or an authority.
EXAMPLE
Der Zeuge bekundete, den Angeklagten am Tatort gesehen zu haben.
The witness testified that he had seen the defendant at the crime scene.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Bekunden' (to declare / testify) is an inseparable verb because it has the prefix 'be-'. The prefix therefore remains firmly attached to the verb in all conjugated forms and sentence types.
EXAMPLE
Er bekundet sein tiefes Mitgefühl.
He expresses his deep sympathy.
Register
This verb belongs to formal language and is mainly used in official, written, or legal contexts. In normal everyday conversation, it sounds very stiff.
EXAMPLE
Der Minister bekundete den Willen zur Zusammenarbeit.
The minister declared his willingness to cooperate.
Typical collocations
'Bekunden' (to declare / express) is often combined with abstract nouns that express an attitude or feeling. Typical phrases are 'sein Interesse bekunden' (to express one's interest), 'seine Absicht bekunden' (to declare one's intention), 'sein Beileid bekunden' (to express one's condolences), or 'seine Solidarität bekunden' (to express one's solidarity).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Unglück bekundeten viele Menschen ihre Anteilnahme.
After the accident, many people expressed their sympathy.
Context clue
The meaning 'aussagen' (to testify) is clear when the context involves a court, an authority, or legal proceedings. Signal words include 'vor Gericht' (in court), 'als Zeuge' (as a witness), or 'gegenüber der Polizei' (to the police).
EXAMPLE
Als Zeuge bekundete er, was er in der Tatnacht beobachtet hatte.
As a witness, he testified about what he had observed on the night of the crime.
Compare with
bekunden vs erklären
to explain / declare
Erklären and bekunden can both express an official intention or position. Erklären presents it primarily as a formal statement, while bekunden places more emphasis on openly declaring it. Use erklären for an official announcement and bekunden when the support or conviction being shown should be emphasized.
bekunden
Die Partei bekundete öffentlich ihre Unterstützung für den neuen Plan.
The party publicly declared its support for the new plan.
erklären
Die Partei erklärte offiziell ihre Unterstützung für den neuen Plan.
The party officially declared its support for the new plan.
In real life
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