Also means
avow
Usage Note
bekennen is a verb, not an adjective; it means to openly confess or profess something. The reflexive sich bekennen zu means 'to declare allegiance to', as in sich zu seinem Fehler bekennen ('to own up to one's mistake'). The fixed phrase Farbe bekennen literally 'to confess colour' means 'to show your true colours'.
Examples
"Er bekennt sich zu seiner Schuld."
Natural Translation
He admits his guilt.
Literal Translation
He confesses himself to his guilt.
Related Words
Explore German by topic
