das Eingeständnis
admission
The act of admitting a fact, a mistake, or guilt.
EXAMPLE
Nach langem Zögern kam von ihm das Eingeständnis, dass er gelogen hatte.
After long hesitation, he made the admission that he had lied.
das Eingeständnis
admission
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'Eingeständnis' (admission) is derived directly from the verb 'eingestehen' (to admit). 'Eingestehen' means to admit a mistake or guilt.
EXAMPLE
Er musste schließlich eingestehen, dass er sich geirrt hatte.
He eventually had to admit that he had been mistaken.
Sentence structure and use
What is being admitted can be expressed by a genitive or by a subordinate clause with 'dass' (that). The genitive construction is more formal.
EXAMPLE
Sein Eingeständnis des Fehlers kam für alle überraschend.
His admission of the mistake came as a surprise to everyone.
Typical collocations
'Eingeständnis' (admission) is frequently used with the verbs 'machen' (to make) or 'ablegen' (to make, very formal). Typical adjectives are 'offen' (open), 'ehrlich' (honest), or 'schmerzlich' (painful).
EXAMPLE
Die Politikerin machte in der Pressekonferenz ein offenes Eingeständnis.
The politician made an open admission at the press conference.
Compare with
Eingeständnis vs Bekenntnis
declaration / confession
Both words can refer to admitting one’s own guilt. Eingeständnis generally refers to acknowledging a mistake or an incriminating fact. Bekenntnis places greater emphasis on someone explicitly and personally admitting their guilt or action.
Eingeständnis
Nach der internen Prüfung folgte das Eingeständnis des Chefs, einen Fehler gemacht zu haben.
After the internal investigation, the boss admitted that he had made a mistake.
Bekenntnis
Vor der ganzen Belegschaft legte der Chef ein persönliches Bekenntnis zu seiner Schuld ab.
In front of the entire staff, the boss made a personal confession of his guilt.
In real life
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