coming out / outing
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coming out
The voluntary disclosure of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, which had previously been kept private.
Sein Outing als homosexuell wurde von seiner Familie und seinen Freunden positiv aufgenommen.
His coming out as gay was received positively by his family and friends.
In German, 'das Outing' (coming out/outing) refers to making a secret known, usually someone’s sexual orientation. It does not mean an excursion or trip like the English word 'outing'.
Das Outing des Politikers sorgte für viele Schlagzeilen.
The politician’s coming out caused many headlines.
'Outing' is a word from English, an Anglicism, derived from the verb 'to out someone'. It has become established as a noun in the German language.
Viele öffentliche Personen sprechen heute offen über ihr Outing.
Many public figures today speak openly about their coming out.
The word is very often used with the verb 'haben' (to have), often in the combination 'sein/ihr Outing haben' (to have his/her coming out).
Der junge Sportler hatte sein Outing in einem Interview mit einer großen Zeitung.
The young athlete had his coming out in an interview with a major newspaper.
Whether an 'Outing' is voluntary (meaning 1) or involuntary (meaning 2) can be recognized from the context. If a person acts themselves, it is voluntary. If it happens 'durch' (through/by) someone else, it is involuntary.
Ihr Outing vor der versammelten Mannschaft erforderte viel Mut.
Her coming out in front of the whole team required a lot of courage.
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'Outing als ...' (admission as ...) is often used to confess a surprising or funny preference. This is a rather casual, colloquial use.
Sein Outing als leidenschaftlicher Gärtner amüsierte seine Kollegen.
His admission that he was a passionate gardener amused his colleagues.
declaration / confession
'das Bekenntnis' and 'das Outing' can both mean that something personal is said publicly. However, 'Bekenntnis' is more general: someone declares their support for an opinion, a feeling, a group, or a conviction. 'Outing' especially means making a previously hidden sexual orientation or gender identity known. In a broader sense, it can also refer to other hidden facts. What matters is that an 'Outing' can be voluntary, but it can also happen against a person’s will. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a public disclosure. For a position or attitude, you are more likely to say 'Bekenntnis'; for revealing a personal identity, you are more likely to say 'Outing'.
Nach ihrem Outing bekam Lena viel Unterstützung von ihren Freunden.
After coming out, Lena received a lot of support from her friends.
Ihr Bekenntnis zur Nachbarschaft hat viele Menschen im Viertel berührt.
Her declaration of support for the neighborhood touched many people in the area.