to rehabilitate
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to rehabilitate
To take measures to reintegrate a person medically, socially, and professionally into society after an illness, accident, or addiction.
Nach seiner Knieoperation muss der Sportler erst wieder rehabilitiert werden, bevor er spielen kann.
After his knee operation, the athlete first has to be rehabilitated before he can play.
to exonerate
To restore a person's good reputation or honor by publicly making clear that they were wrongly accused or convicted.
Der zu Unrecht verurteilte Mann wurde nach 20 Jahren Haft vollständig rehabilitiert.
The man who had been wrongly convicted was fully exonerated after 20 years in prison.
to redeem oneself
To restore one's own damaged reputation through exemplary behavior or special achievements.
Nach dem Skandal versuchte der Politiker, sich durch soziales Engagement zu rehabilitieren.
After the scandal, the politician tried to redeem himself through social engagement.
The prefix 're-' means 'again' or 'back'. So the verb always describes the restoration of a previous, positive state—whether health or honor.
Es dauerte Jahre, den durch den Brand zerstörten Wald zu rehabilitieren.
It took years to rehabilitate the forest destroyed by the fire.
The verb can be used transitively ('jemanden rehabilitieren' — to rehabilitate/exonerate someone) or reflexively ('sich rehabilitieren' — to rehabilitate/redeem oneself). Reflexive means that a person restores their own reputation.
Das Gericht hat den unschuldigen Mann nach Jahren rehabilitiert.
The court exonerated the innocent man after years.
Pay attention to the context to distinguish the meanings. If it is about 'Krankheit' (illness), 'Unfall' (accident), or 'Sucht' (addiction), the medical meaning is intended. With words like 'Ruf' (reputation), 'Ehre' (honor), or 'Urteil' (judgment/verdict), it is about restoring someone's standing.
Die Klinik hilft Patienten, sich nach einem Schlaganfall zu rehabilitieren.
The clinic helps patients rehabilitate after a stroke.
