regret
das Bedauern
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regret
The feeling that something is unfortunate or unpleasant, or that one would have preferred to do something differently.
Zu meinem Bedauern kann ich an der Feier nicht teilnehmen.
To my regret, I cannot attend the celebration.
sympathy
Compassion for someone who is in a difficult or sad situation.
Als sie von seiner schweren Krankheit erfuhr, empfand sie tiefes Bedauern für ihn.
When she learned about his serious illness, she felt deep sympathy for him.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Bedauerns |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Bedauern | – |
| accusative | das Bedauern | – |
| dative | dem Bedauern | – |
| genitive | des Bedauerns | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Bedauern' (regret) belongs to the word family of 'bedauern' (to regret). As a noun, it is often used with a possessive determiner or with a preposition such as 'über' (about) or 'für' (for).
Sein Bedauern über die Absage war deutlich zu spüren.
His regret about the cancellation was clearly evident.
'Das Bedauern' (regret) occurs particularly often in formal written, polite, or official expressions.
Wir teilen Ihnen unser Bedauern über die Verzögerung mit.
We wish to inform you of our regret about the delay.
For the meaning of personal disappointment or an unfortunate circumstance, the fixed expression 'zu meinem Bedauern' (to my regret) is especially typical.
Zu meinem Bedauern muss ich den Termin absagen.
To my regret, I have to cancel the appointment.
When 'Bedauern' means sympathy, people often say 'jemandem sein Bedauern aussprechen' (to express one's sympathy to someone) or 'sein Bedauern über etwas äußern' (to express one's regret about something).
Sie sprach den Angehörigen des Opfers ihr Bedauern aus.
She expressed her sympathy to the victim's family.
