gestehen
Er hat seine Schuld gestanden.
He confessed his guilt.
to admit or acknowledge something, especially a mistake, crime, or feeling, often reluctantly
Sie gestand, die Wahrheit zu kennen.
She admitted to knowing the truth.
Er gestand seine Liebe zu ihr.
He confessed his love for her.
Often used in legal or emotional contexts. Can imply a sense of relief or vulnerability.
to formally acknowledge or admit in a legal or official context
Der Angeklagte gestand den Diebstahl.
The defendant confessed to the theft.
Commonly used in court proceedings or police interrogations.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Conjugation Note
Gestehen is a separable verb in some contexts (e.g., 'zugeben' is often preferred in separable forms like 'ich gebe zu'). However, 'gestehen' itself is not separable in standard usage.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use 'gestehen' for serious admissions (crimes, mistakes, deep feelings). For minor acknowledgments, 'zugeben' is more appropriate.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *gestēn*, from Old High German *gistēn*, from Proto-Germanic *\*gastōjaną* (to make known), from *\*gastiz* (news, message). Related to Old English *cyst* (choice, excellence) and Old Norse *gesta* (to proclaim).
Usage Notes
Gestehen is a strong verb often used in serious or emotional contexts. It implies a voluntary admission, unlike 'zugeben' which can be more neutral. In everyday speech, 'zugeben' is more common for minor admissions.