das  Bekenntnis

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bəˈkɛnʔnɪs/

📖 What does "das Bekenntnis" mean?

Das Bekenntnis (noun, neuter) is a statement in which someone admits something, reveals something, or professes something. It primarily has two meanings:

• 1. Confession or Admission: Admitting an act (often guilt), a mistake, or even strong feelings.
  Example: `das Bekenntnis seiner Schuld` (the confession of his guilt), `ein Liebesbekenntnis` (a declaration/confession of love).
• 2. Profession or Declaration (of belief): Publicly or personally advocating for a specific attitude, belief, or affiliation.
  Example: `das Bekenntnis zum Christentum` (the profession of Christianity/creed), `ein Bekenntnis zur Demokratie` (a commitment/profession to democracy).

🚨 Important: The word is always neuter, so it's das Bekenntnis.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: das Bekenntnis

`Bekenntnis` is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). Its declension follows the pattern for nouns ending in `-nis`, which form the plural with `-nisse`.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Nach langem Zögern legte er ein umfassendes Bekenntnis ab.
  (After long hesitation, he made a full confession.)
• Ihr Bekenntnis zur Nachhaltigkeit prägt ihre Unternehmensphilosophie.
  (Their commitment/profession to sustainability shapes their company philosophy.)
• Das Glaubensbekenntnis ist zentraler Bestandteil vieler Religionen.
  (The creed/profession of faith is a central part of many religions.)
• Seine Liebesbekenntnisse waren rührend.
  (His declarations of love were touching.)

💡 How "Bekenntnis" is Used

`Das Bekenntnis` is used in various contexts:

• Legal/Moral: As a `Geständnis` (confession) of guilt or wrongdoing. Here, one often speaks of `ein Bekenntnis ablegen` (to make a confession).
• Religious/Ideological: As an expression of faith or strong conviction (e.g., `Glaubensbekenntnis` - creed/profession of faith, `Bekenntnis` zu bestimmten Werten - commitment to certain values).
• Personal/Emotional: To express deep feelings, especially love (e.g., `Liebesbekenntnis` - declaration/confession of love).
• Political/Social: To signal affiliation with a group or support for an idea (e.g., `Bekenntnis zur Demokratie` - commitment to democracy, `Bekenntnis zur eigenen Identität` - profession of one's own identity).

Distinction from other words:

• `Geständnis`: Often synonymous, but tends to focus more strongly on admitting guilt, especially in a legal context.
• `Erklärung`: A more general term for a statement or announcement. A `Bekenntnis` is a more specific type of `Erklärung` involving personal conviction or admission.
• `Gelöbnis`/`Versprechen`: Refers more to a future commitment, whereas a `Bekenntnis` relates to a current stance or past action.

Common phrases include `ein offenes Bekenntnis` (an open declaration/confession) or `ein mutiges Bekenntnis` (a courageous profession/confession).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article 'das': Many nouns ending in -nis are neuter (`das`): `das Geheimnis` (the secret), `das Zeugnis` (the certificate/testimony), `das Ergebnis` (the result)... and also das Bekenntnis. Think of the "neutral" ending "-nis".

For the meaning: The word comes from `bekennen` (to confess, to profess, to acknowledge). So, a `Bekenntnis` is what you `bekennen` – whether it's guilt (`Geständnis`) or a belief (`Glaubensbekenntnis`). It's the *result* or *statement* (`-nis`) of `bekennen`.

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

⚠️ Similar Words (Potential for Confusion!)

• `Erkenntnis` (die): Means knowledge, insight, realization. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning!

😂 A Little Joke

Fritzchen kommt vom Religionsunterricht nach Hause. Fragt die Mutter: "Na, was habt ihr heute gelernt?"
Fritzchen: "Wir haben über das Bekenntnis gesprochen."
Mutter: "Und, hast du dich zu etwas bekannt?"
Fritzchen: "Ja! Ich habe bekannt, dass ich lieber Fußball spielen würde!"

Translation:
Little Fritz comes home from religious education class. His mother asks: "So, what did you learn today?"
Fritz: "We talked about confession/profession."
Mother: "And, did you confess to anything?"
Fritz: "Yes! I confessed that I'd rather be playing football!"

✍️ Poem about the Word

Ein Wort, so schwer, so klar,
Das Bekenntnis, wunderbar.
Es bricht das Schweigen, tief und grau,
Zeigt Herz und Schuld, ganz ungenau? Nein, ehrlich soll es sein und rein,
Ob Glauben, Liebe oder Pein.
Ein Schritt ins Licht, aus dunkler Nacht,
Ein Bekenntnis, neu entfacht.

Translation:
A word, so heavy, yet so clear,
The Confession/Profession, wonderfully dear.
It breaks the silence, deep and gray,
Shows heart and guilt, in what vague way?
No, honest it should be and pure,
Of faith, or love, or pain endured.
A step to light, from darkest night,
A Bekenntnis, kindled bright.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich kann von Schuld und Liebe sprechen,
Kann Glauben zeigen, Schweigen brechen.
Man legt mich ab, oft schweren Muts,
Bin sächlich, trage 'das' als Schmuck des Huts.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I can speak of guilt and love's embrace,
Can show belief, break silent space.
I'm often made with heavy heart,
I'm neuter, wear 'das' right from the start.

What am I? (... Das Bekenntnis / The confession/profession)

ℹ️ Further Information

Word Composition

The word `Bekenntnis` is composed of:

• The stem of the verb `bekennen` (to confess, profess, acknowledge).
• The suffix `-nis`, which is often used to form neuter or feminine nouns expressing a state, result, or action (here: the result of `bekennen`).

Typical Collocations

• `ein Bekenntnis ablegen` (to make a confession/profession)
• `ein offenes Bekenntnis` (an open declaration/confession)
• `ein mutiges Bekenntnis` (a courageous confession/profession)
• `das Glaubensbekenntnis` (creed, profession of faith)
• `das Schuldbekenntnis` (confession of guilt)
• `das Liebesbekenntnis` (declaration/confession of love)