Usage Note
Gestaendnis is a confession, from gestehen (to confess). The phrase ein Gestaendnis ablegen means to make a confession. A full confession is an umfassendes Gestaendnis, often a mitigating factor in sentencing. Note the double n before the -is ending.
Examples
"Nach langem Verhoer legte er ein Gestaendnis ab."
Natural Translation
After a long interrogation he made a confession.
Literal Translation
After long interrogation laid he a confession off.

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