Sühne

atonement, expiation

noun ZUE-ne Rare

Also means

reparation

Usage Note

Sühne describes the act of making amends for a wrong through suffering or sacrifice. It appears in both religious (Sühnegebet, prayer of atonement) and legal/restorative-justice contexts. Distinct from Vergeltung (retribution).

Examples

"Er wollte durch gemeinnützige Arbeit Sühne leisten."

Natural Translation

He wanted to make atonement through community service.

Literal Translation

He wanted through community-work atonement perform.

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