01
der Sünder
sinner
A person who commits a sin, that is, violates a religious or moral law.
example
In der Predigt ging es um die Vergebung für die Sünder.
The sermon was about forgiveness for sinners.
der Sünder
sinner
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Sünder' (sinner) is derived directly from the noun 'die Sünde' (sin). The ending '-er' denotes a male person who performs the action named in the root word.
EXAMPLE
Wer eine Sünde begeht, gilt als Sünder.
Someone who commits a sin is considered a sinner.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the serious, religious meaning or the humorous, figurative meaning is intended. In church, the serious meaning is meant; with small everyday mistakes, the humorous one is meant.
EXAMPLE
In der Bibel wird von der Vergebung für die Sünder gesprochen.
In the Bible, forgiveness for sinners is spoken of.
Productive compounds
In the figurative sense, 'Sünder' (sinner) is often used for people who violate everyday rules. This creates words such as 'Verkehrssünder' (traffic offender) or 'Parksünder' (parking offender).
EXAMPLE
Der Parksünder hat einen Strafzettel an seinem Auto gefunden.
The parking offender found a ticket on his car.
Compare with
Sünder vs Täter
perpetrator / culprit
'der Täter' and 'der Sünder' can both refer to a person who has done something wrong. But 'Der Täter' usually sounds concrete and often legal: someone has committed a crime or a clearly negative action. 'Der Sünder' fits more with religion, morality, or even a humorous, less serious context. The words can be confused because both can express guilt. In everyday language, for crime you would usually say 'Täter'. 'Sünder' is used more when someone violates a rule, a commandment, or a moral expectation.
Sünder
Nach dem großen Stück Kuchen nannte sich Paul lachend einen kleinen Sünder.
After the big piece of cake, Paul laughingly called himself a little sinner.
Täter
Der Täter wurde nach kurzer Zeit von der Polizei gefunden.
The perpetrator was found by the police after a short time.
In real life
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