mercy
Loading your saved state.
mercy
An attitude of compassion and active willingness to help people in need, suffering, or guilt, often connected with a readiness to forgive.
Der Richter zeigte Barmherzigkeit und verhängte nur eine milde Strafe.
The judge showed mercy and imposed only a mild sentence.
The word has old roots: it comes from '(erb)armen' (to have mercy/pity) and 'Herz' (heart). So it describes the attitude of having a heart for the poor and those in need. The ending '-keit' makes it an abstract noun.
Aus Barmherzigkeit gab sie dem Bettler etwas Geld.
Out of mercy, she gave the beggar some money.
Common verbs used with 'Barmherzigkeit' (mercy) are 'zeigen' (to show), 'üben' (to practice/exercise), or 'um etwas bitten' (to ask for something). A very formal expression is 'Barmherzigkeit walten lassen' (to show mercy).
Der Verurteilte bat den König um Barmherzigkeit.
The condemned man begged the king for mercy.
'Barmherzigkeit' (mercy) is an elevated, rather formal word. It is often found in religious, philosophical, or legal texts, but rarely in everyday colloquial speech.
In vielen Religionen ist Barmherzigkeit eine wichtige Tugend.
In many religions, mercy is an important virtue.
goodness / quality
'die Güte' and 'die Barmherzigkeit' both describe a kind and compassionate attitude. 'Güte' is more general: a gütig person is benevolent, kind, and not harsh toward others. 'Barmherzigkeit' is more strongly connected to people in need, suffering, or guilt. It means not only compassion, but often also active help or forgiveness. You can use 'Güte' for a person's character in general. 'Barmherzigkeit' is especially appropriate when someone helps a weak, sick, or guilty person and does not judge harshly.
Im Krankenhaus sprach die Schwester mit viel Barmherzigkeit mit dem verletzten Mann.
In the hospital, the nurse spoke to the injured man with great compassion.
Der alte Lehrer behandelte die Kinder mit großer Güte.
The old teacher treated the children with great kindness.