zu|geben
Translation
to admit, to confess, to add
Examples
Er musste seinen Fehler zugeben.
He had to admit his mistake.
Gib noch etwas Salz zu.
Add a little more salt.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to admit sth. He had to admit his mistake.
((sth.)) ((to sth.)) to add sth. to sth. Add some salt to the soup.
Similar Words
Synonyms: gestehen, einräumen, hinzufügen; Antonyms: leugnen, bestreiten
Etymology
Composed of 'zu' (to, toward) + 'geben' (to give). Literally 'to give to,' which evolved to mean 'to add' or 'to give in' to a point, hence 'to admit.'
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'giving' ('geben') your assent 'to' ('zu') an accusation or fact, thereby admitting it.