bekunden

Bekunden is a German verb meaning to express or declare something openly, often in a formal or official context. It conveys the act of making a feeling, intention, or statement known to others, typically in spoken or written form.

Usage: It is used with direct objects representing what is being expressed, for example: "Der Präsident bekundete seine Unterstützung" or "Sie bekundete ihr Mitgefühl." Common collocations include "Anteilnahme bekunden," "Unterstützung bekunden," and "Bereitschaft bekunden." In diplomacy or official communication, bekunden signals a formal stance or commitment.

Grammar and tone: Bekunden is generally considered formal. The past tense is "bekundete" and the participle is "bekundet" (haben bekundet). It is often preferred in formal writing or official statements over more everyday expressions like "ausdrücken."

Etymology and related terms: The verb is formed from "künden" (to announce, to inform) with the prefix "be-," yielding a sense of making known in a formal way. Related concepts include the noun "Bekundung" (the act of expressing or declaring) and synonyms or near-synonyms such as "erklären" (to declare) or "bestätigen" (to confirm), depending on nuance.