die Unschuld, null
innocence
Ein Zustand, in dem jemand nichts Falsches getan hat und keine Schuld trägt.
The German word "Unschuld" is a noun meaning "innocence". It is made up of the prefix "Un-" (a negation, meaning "not") and the word "Schuld", which means "guilt" or "debt". Thus, "Unschuld" literally means "not guilt" — i.e., being free from guilt or blame.
Similar words:
- Unschuldsgefühl (feeling of innocence)
- Reinheit (purity)
- Naivität (naivety)
Difference:
- "Unschuld" refers specifically to the lack of guilt or blame.
- "Reinheit" has a broader meaning linked to purity or cleanliness, not just legally or morally innocent.
- "Naivität" emphasizes simplicity or lack of experience, not necessarily moral innocence.
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Examples
Die Unschuld des Angeklagten wurde bewiesen.noun
The innocence of the accused was proven.
Seine Unschuld wurde nach langer Zeit endlich bewiesen.noun
His innocence was finally proven after a long time.
Ich zweifelte kurz an seiner Unschuld.noun
I briefly doubted his innocence.
Kann man seine Unschuld wirklich verlieren?noun
Can one really lose one’s innocence?
Trotz der Beweise beteuert er weiterhin seine Unschuld.noun
Despite the evidence, he continues to assert his innocence.
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