merciful
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merciful
Compassionate and willing to forgive others or help them in their distress, rather than punish or condemn them.
Der Richter zeigte sich barmherzig und verhängte nur eine milde Strafe.
The judge showed himself to be merciful and imposed only a mild sentence.
The word has an old origin and roughly means 'to have a heart for the poor.' The part 'barm' is related to 'arm' (in the sense of miserable, pitiable), and '-herzig' is derived from 'Herz' (heart).
Aus einer barmherzigen Laune heraus gab er dem Bettler etwas Geld.
Out of a merciful mood, he gave the beggar some money.
'Barmherzig' (merciful) is a rather formal and elevated word. It often has a moral or religious connotation and is used more often in written language than in everyday conversation.
In der Bibel wird Gott oft als barmherzig beschrieben.
In the Bible, God is often described as merciful.
The adjective often describes people with power or authority, e.g. 'ein barmherziger Richter' (a merciful judge), or their actions, such as 'eine barmherzige Tat' (a merciful act) or 'ein barmherziges Urteil' (a merciful judgment). It can also be used with the preposition 'mit' (with).
Der König war barmherzig mit den Gefangenen und ließ sie frei.
The king was merciful with the prisoners and set them free.
human
'menschlich' and 'barmherzig' both have to do with compassion. 'menschlich' generally describes an understanding and kind way of dealing with others. 'barmherzig' is stronger: it means that someone helps another person in need, forgives them, or does not punish them harshly. The word often sounds more serious and sometimes also religious or solemn. In everyday life, 'menschlich' fits many fair and compassionate situations. 'barmherzig' fits especially when someone, despite having power or a reason to punish, deliberately acts with mercy and helpfulness.
Die Richterin zeigte sich barmherzig und gab dem jungen Mann eine zweite Chance.
The judge showed mercy and gave the young man a second chance.
Im Urlaub haben wir eine sehr menschliche Hilfe von Fremden bekommen.
On vacation, we received very humane help from strangers.