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sich zu etwas bekennen
/zɪç tsuː ˈɛtvas bəˈkɛnən/
to admit responsibility for something
Er hat sich zu dem Verbrechen bekannt.
He admitted responsibility for the crime.
formal
to openly admit one's involvement, responsibility, or support for something, often in a formal or serious context
Die Gruppe bekannte sich zu dem Anschlag.
The group admitted responsibility for the attack.
Sie bekannte sich zu ihrer Meinung, auch wenn es unpopulär war.
She stood by her opinion, even if it was unpopular.
Often used in legal, political, or personal contexts to indicate ownership of an action or belief. The reflexive 'sich' is essential.
Collocations
sich zu einer Tat bekennento admit to an actsich zu einer Schuld bekennento admit guiltsich zu einer Meinung bekennento stand by one's opinion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conjugation Note
This phrase is reflexive, so the pronoun 'sich' changes with the subject (e.g., 'er bekennt sich', 'wir bekennen uns'). The verb 'bekennen' is conjugated like a regular weak verb in the present tense.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal Use
Use 'sich zu etwas bekennen' in formal or serious contexts (e.g., legal, political). For casual admissions, consider 'zugeben' (to admit) or 'einräumen' (to concede).
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'bekennen' (to acknowledge, confess), derived from Old High German 'bikennan' (to recognize, confess), combining 'bi-' (intensive prefix) and 'kennan' (to know, recognize). The reflexive 'sich' emphasizes the subject's active acknowledgment.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in contexts where someone takes responsibility for a negative action, belief, or stance. It implies a degree of courage or honesty, as the admission may have consequences. Avoid using it for neutral or positive admissions unless the context clearly suggests a serious or formal tone.
Word Breakdown
sich
reflexive pronoun (oneself)
pronounzu
to (indicating direction or relationship)
prepositionetwas
something (indefinite pronoun)
pronounbekennen
to admit, confess, acknowledge
verbDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch