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.
confession
The admission of a personal weakness, feeling, or secret that is not necessarily illegal.
In einem Moment der Offenheit machte er ihr das Geständnis, dass er sich einsam fühlte.
In a moment of openness, he made the confession to her that he felt lonely.
'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.
declaration / 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.
Bei der Polizei legte der Täter ein Geständnis zu seiner Schuld ab.
At the police station, the perpetrator confessed to the crime.
In einer öffentlichen Erklärung legte der Täter ein Bekenntnis zu seiner Schuld ab.
In a public statement, the perpetrator confessed to the crime.
