die
Vergebung
🤔 What Exactly is Vergebung?
Die Vergebung is a feminine noun in German and means forgiveness. It refers to the act or state of no longer holding a debt, mistake, or offense against someone and refraining from seeking revenge or harboring resentment. It's a conscious decision to let go of negative feelings. Forgiveness can be granted to others as well as to oneself.
Luckily, there's only one article for Vergebung: die. That makes things easier! 🥳
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
📜 Grammar Corner: die Vergebung
Die Vergebung is a feminine noun. It's mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract state or act. A plural form (die Vergebungen) is grammatically possible but very rare and hardly ever used.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vergebung |
| Genitive | der | Vergebung |
| Dative | der | Vergebung |
| Accusative | die | Vergebung |
Example Sentences
- Er bat sie aufrichtig um Vergebung.
(He sincerely asked her for forgiveness.) - Die Vergebung ist ein wichtiger Schritt zur Heilung.
(Forgiveness is an important step towards healing.) - Nach langem Nachdenken gewährte sie ihm die Vergebung.
(After long consideration, she granted him forgiveness.) - Ohne Vergebung kann man schwer Frieden finden.
(Without forgiveness, it is difficult to find peace.)
💬 How to Use Vergebung?
Vergebung is often used in contexts related to interpersonal relationships, ethics, religion, or psychology.
- Um Vergebung bitten: This is the most common phrase, meaning 'to ask for forgiveness'. Example: "Ich möchte dich um Vergebung für mein Verhalten bitten." (I want to ask for your forgiveness for my behavior.)
- Vergebung gewähren/schenken: Means 'to grant/give forgiveness'. Example: "Sie fand die Kraft, ihm Vergebung zu schenken." (She found the strength to give him forgiveness.)
- Vergebung finden: Means 'to find forgiveness', often referring to the process of achieving inner peace through forgiveness. Example: "Es dauerte lange, bis er Vergebung finden konnte." (It took a long time for him to find forgiveness.)
Unlike Entschuldigung (apology, which you might offer for a minor mistake), Vergebung often refers to deeper hurts or moral failings.
🧠 Mnemonics for Vergebung
For the article 'die': Think of other feminine abstract concepts often associated with forgiveness: die Güte (goodness), die Gnade (grace), die Liebe (love). Forgiveness (die Vergebung) is a noble (feminine) virtue.
For the meaning 'Forgiveness': Imagine someone has taken something from you. You have to 'give' it up (geben) or let it go, not hold onto the grievance. That's Ver-gebung. The prefix 'Ver-' often implies a change or completion, here reinforcing the 'giving up' of the debt or grudge.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Vergebung
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Verzeihung: Very similar, often interchangeable, perhaps slightly more common in everyday language ('pardon', 'excuse').
- Gnade: Grace, mercy; often used in religious or legal contexts (e.g., pardon/clemency).
- Nachsicht: Lenience, forbearance; tolerance towards mistakes, less profound than Vergebung.
- Absolution: Absolution; a religious term (forgiveness of sins).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Schuldner den Radiergummi um Vergebung gebeten?
Weil er seine Schulden ausradieren wollte! 😄
(Why did the debtor ask the eraser for forgiveness?
Because he wanted to erase his debts!)
✍️ A Poem about Vergebung
Ein schweres Wort, ein leiser Ton,
Die Vergebung, des Herzens Lohn.
Lässt Groll und Zorn verwehen,
Lässt neue Wege sehen.
Nicht Schwäche, nein, ein starker Schritt,
Nimm diesen Frieden für dich mit.
Es heilt die Wunden, stillt den Schmerz,
Öffnet erneut das eigene Herz.
(A heavy word, a quiet sound,
Forgiveness, the heart's reward profound.
It lets resentment and anger fade,
Allows new paths to be made.)
(Not weakness, no, a step so strong,
Take this peace with you along.
It heals the wounds, stills the pain,
Opens one's own heart again.)
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich koste nichts, doch bin viel wert.
Man bittet drum, wenn man verkehrt
Gehandelt hat. Ich löse Groll,
Mach Herzen wieder friedevoll.
Man schenkt mich frei, aus tiefstem Grund,
Und mache Seelen oft gesund.
Was bin ich?
(I cost nothing, yet have great worth.
One asks for me when one has acted amiss.
I dissolve resentment,
Make hearts peaceful once more.
I am given freely, from the deepest reason,
And often make souls healthy.)
What am I?
(Answer: Die Vergebung / Forgiveness)
💡 More about Vergebung
Word Formation: The word Vergebung is a nominalization (forming a noun) of the verb vergeben ('to forgive', 'to give away') using the suffix -ung (common for forming feminine nouns from verbs). The prefix ver- often indicates change, completion, or sometimes a mistake (like in verlaufen - 'to get lost'), but here it likely emphasizes the act of 'giving away' or releasing the guilt.
Cultural Significance: Forgiveness (Vergebung) plays a central role in many cultures and religions as a path to reconciliation and inner peace.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vergebung?
The German word Vergebung is feminine. The correct article is die. Remember: die Vergebung.