to encourage / to award
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to encourage/comfort someone
To help someone find comfort or courage through calming or encouraging words.
Nach ihrer Niederlage haben ihr die Teamkollegen gut zugesprochen.
After her defeat, her teammates encouraged her.
'Zusprechen' (to encourage/to award) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
Seine Freunde sprachen ihm nach der Prüfung gut zu.
His friends encouraged him after the exam.
In all meanings of 'zusprechen' (to encourage/to award), the person or thing that receives something is in the dative. You 'speak' courage to 'jemandem' (someone), award a right to 'jemandem' (someone), or indulge in 'einer Sache' (something), e.g. the food.
Der Trainer sprach dem Spieler vor dem Spiel Mut zu.
The coach encouraged the player before the game.
The context reveals the meaning: If it is about feelings like 'Mut' (courage) or 'Trost' (comfort), emotional support is meant. Legal terms like 'Sorgerecht' (custody) or 'Anspruch' (claim) point to an official decision. If it is about food or drink, it means enjoyable consumption.
Sie versuchte, dem weinenden Kind Trost zuzusprechen.
She tried to comfort the crying child.
In the meaning 'Essen oder Trinken genießen' (to enjoy food or drink), 'zusprechen' (to indulge in) is often used in a slightly elevated or ironic style. It is a somewhat more formal paraphrase for 'viel essen' (to eat a lot) or 'viel trinken' (to drink a lot).
Mein Onkel hat dem Rotwein gestern Abend sehr zugesprochen.
My uncle really indulged in the red wine last night.
to enjoy
'genießen' and 'einer Sache zusprechen' can both mean that someone consumes food or drink with enjoyment. 'genießen' is neutral and fits many pleasant things, for example coffee, music, or a day off. 'Einer Sache zusprechen' is a special phrase and is used mainly for good food or alcohol. It often sounds as if someone is eating or drinking heartily or with a big appetite. So 'genießen' is more general, while 'zusprechen' is narrower and more vivid.
Bei der Feier hat er dem Nachtisch kräftig zugesprochen.
At the celebration, he helped himself heartily to the dessert.
Mehmet genießt in der Pause seinen heißen Tee.
Mehmet enjoys his hot tea during the break.