VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
noun

die Vergebung, -en

forgiveness

Definition & meaning

Vergebung means forgiveness: the act of letting go of resentment or blame toward someone for a wrong they have done. In religious contexts, it can also mean forgiveness or absolution granted by God.

Grammar & word origin

Vergebung is a feminine noun: die Vergebung. It is formed from the verb vergeben (“to forgive”) and the noun-forming suffix -ung . Its plural, Vergebungen , is uncommon.

Synonyms & antonyms

  • Verzeihung — “forgiveness” or “pardon”; often used for forgiving a specific mistake or offense.
  • Absolution — “absolution”; specifically suggests religious or formal release from guilt.
  • Erlass — “remission” or “waiver”; usually refers to canceling a debt, penalty, or obligation rather than personal forgiveness.

There is no exact everyday antonym. Unversöhnlichkeit (“unforgivingness” or “implacability”) is a close opposite in attitude. Rache (“revenge”) is an opposing response to a wrong, rather than a direct antonym.

Common phrases & collocations

  • um Vergebung bitten — to ask for forgiveness.
  • Vergebung finden — to find forgiveness.
  • jemandem Vergebung gewähren — to grant someone forgiveness.
  • Vergebung üben — to practice forgiveness.

Make “Vergebung” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Sie bittet um Vergebung.noun

She asks for forgiveness.

Vergebung zu finden kann schwierig sein.noun

Finding forgiveness can be difficult.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play