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.
to award something to someone
In a court case or official decision, to give someone the right to something or possession of something.
Das Gericht hat der Mutter das alleinige Sorgerecht für die Kinder zugesprochen.
The court awarded the mother sole custody of the children.
to indulge in something
To consume food or drink with enjoyment and often in larger quantities. It is frequently used for alcohol or good food.
Auf der Feier hat er dem Wein reichlich zugesprochen.
At the party, he indulged liberally in the wine.
'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 put away / to admit
Both words can mean that someone receives a right or advantage. Einräumen emphasizes granting it through an authorized person or body, whereas zusprechen more strongly refers to an official decision in favor of someone’s claim. Use einräumen for a granted opportunity and zusprechen for a decision confirming someone’s entitlement.
Das Gericht sprach der Klägerin den geforderten Betrag zu.
The court awarded the claimant the amount she had demanded.
Der Verein räumte den Mitgliedern das Recht auf kostenlose Beratung ein.
The organization granted its members the right to free consultations.
