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
der Sünder
sinner
A person who has done something wrong or forbidden, often in a figurative, humorous, or less serious sense.
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Sünder hatte die ganze Schokolade allein aufgegessen.
The little sinner had eaten all the chocolate by himself.
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
Both words can refer to a person after a forbidden act. Der Täter refers objectively to the specific unlawful act. Der Sünder, by contrast, emphasizes violating a religious or moral law and can also be used humorously. Der Täter fits a police report, while der Sünder is more suitable in a moral or religious context.
Sünder
In der Predigt wurde der Sünder zur Umkehr nach seinem Diebstahl aufgerufen.
In the sermon, the sinner was called to repent after the theft.
Täter
Die Polizei sucht den Täter, der das Fahrrad vor dem Haus gestohlen hat.
The police are looking for the perpetrator who stole the bicycle in front of the house.
In real life
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