sündigen
to sin
To commit a sin; to violate religious or moral commandments.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Predigt sprach der Pfarrer darüber, warum Menschen sündigen.
In his sermon, the pastor spoke about why people sin.
sündigen
to sin
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Meanings
sündigen
to indulge
In a figurative sense, to treat oneself to something considered unhealthy or excessive, especially food. Often used in the context of a diet.
EXAMPLE
Heute sündige ich mal und bestelle mir ein großes Stück Schokoladenkuchen.
Today I'm going to indulge a little and order myself a big piece of chocolate cake.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'sündigen' (to sin) is derived directly from the noun 'die Sünde' (sin). When someone 'sündigt' (sins), they commit a sin.
EXAMPLE
Er beichtete seine Sünden, weil er gesündigt hatte.
He confessed his sins because he had sinned.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it refers to small, everyday 'Vergehen' (offenses), usually in connection with enjoyment (eating, drinking, shopping). The tone is often humorous or ironic, while the religious meaning is very serious.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem leckeren Eis muss man einfach sündigen!
With this delicious ice cream, you simply have to indulge!
Colloquial use
In colloquial language, 'sündigen' (to indulge) is very often used in this figurative meaning. It often appears together with the word 'mal' to emphasize that it is an exception.
EXAMPLE
Normalerweise esse ich gesund, aber heute sündige ich mal mit einer Pizza.
Normally I eat healthily, but today I'm going to indulge a little with a pizza.
Correct preposition
In the religious or moral meaning, 'sündigen' (to sin) is often used with the preposition 'gegen' and the accusative to express what someone is violating.
EXAMPLE
Er hatte das Gefühl, gegen ein wichtiges Gebot gesündigt zu haben.
He had the feeling that he had sinned against an important commandment.
Compare with
sündigen vs gönnen
to treat oneself / to not begrudge
When talking about food, gönnen and sündigen can both mean allowing yourself something special. Gönnen sounds neutral or positive and emphasizes enjoying it, while sündigen usually refers jokingly to something unhealthy or excessive, for example while on a diet. Gönnen is the better choice for a small pleasure you allow yourself deliberately.
sündigen
Während meiner Diät sündige ich heute mit einem Stück Schokoladenkuchen.
While I'm on my diet, I'm indulging in a piece of chocolate cake today.
gönnen
Nach der Wanderung gönne ich mir ein Stück Schokoladenkuchen.
After the hike, I treat myself to a piece of chocolate cake.
In real life
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