confession
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confession
A statement in which someone admits to having done something, usually something bad or forbidden. This is often used in a legal context with the police or in court.
Nach stundenlangem Verhör legte der Angeklagte ein volles Geständnis ab.
After hours of interrogation, the defendant made a full confession.
'Das Geständnis' (confession) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'gestehen' (to confess/admit). Both words share the stem 'steh-' and the prefix 'ge-' and refer to admitting an act or a thought.
Er hat gestanden, das Geld gestohlen zu haben.
He confessed to having stolen the money.
Whether a legal or personal confession is meant is revealed by the context. Words like 'Polizei' (police), 'Gericht' (court), or 'Angeklagter' (defendant) point to the legal meaning, while topics like feelings or secrets point to the personal meaning.
Der Angeklagte widerrief sein früheres Geständnis vor Gericht.
The defendant withdrew his earlier confession in court.
In a legal context, a confession is not 'gemacht' (made); instead, the verb 'ablegen' is used. The fixed phrase is 'ein Geständnis ablegen' (to make a confession).
Der Verdächtige weigerte sich, ein Geständnis abzulegen.
The suspect refused to make a confession.
When it is about a personal secret or feeling, 'Geständnis' (confession) is often combined with the verb 'machen' (to make). The typical phrasing is 'jemandem ein Geständnis machen' (to make a confession to someone).
Er hat mir das Geständnis gemacht, dass er in mich verliebt ist.
He confessed to me that he is in love with me.
statement
'die Aussage' and 'das Geständnis' can both be an utterance in which someone explains something. However, a 'Geständnis' is a special kind of statement: someone admits to having done something, often something wrong or forbidden. 'Aussage' is much more general and can also be neutral. The words can be confused in police or court contexts. The important point is: not every 'Aussage' is automatically a 'Geständnis', but a 'Geständnis' contains an 'Aussage'.
Nach zwei Stunden machte der Mann ein Geständnis.
After two hours, the man made a confession.
Ihre Aussage hilft den Ermittlern, den Ablauf besser zu verstehen.
Her statement helps the investigators understand the sequence of events better.