mercy
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mercy
A deep feeling of pity for someone who is suffering, often combined with the desire to help or show mercy.
Ohne jedes Erbarmen ließ er die Familie aus der Wohnung werfen.
Without any mercy, he had the family thrown out of the apartment.
'Erbarmen' (mercy) is the noun related to the verb 'sich erbarmen' (to have mercy). Both are part of a word family with the adjective 'barmherzig' (merciful), which describes a compassionate and forgiving person.
Er war ein barmherziger König, der seinen Feinden verzieh.
He was a merciful king who forgave his enemies.
'Erbarmen' (mercy) is an uncountable noun and is therefore almost always used in the singular and often without an article. A plural form practically does not exist.
Sie flehte um Erbarmen, aber der Richter blieb hart.
She begged for mercy, but the judge remained firm.
In the general meaning, 'Erbarmen' (mercy) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'Erbarmen zeigen' (to show mercy), 'um Erbarmen bitten' (to beg for mercy), or the negative expression 'kein Erbarmen kennen' (to know no mercy).
Der Bösewicht in dem Film kannte kein Erbarmen.
The villain in the film knew no mercy.
The most common use is the fixed expression 'ein Erbarmen haben mit' (to have mercy on) + dative. Remember that the person one feels pity for is always in the dative.
Hab doch ein Erbarmen mit dem armen Hund und gib ihm etwas Wasser!
Have mercy on the poor dog and give him some water!
pity / compassion
'Mitleid' and 'Erbarmen' are very close because both describe compassion for someone who is suffering. 'Mitleid' is the normal everyday word. You can feel 'Mitleid' for a sick friend, an injured animal, or a person in need. 'Erbarmen' sounds stronger and more solemn. It often means that you help or show mercy out of deep pity. In many everyday situations, 'Erbarmen' therefore sounds somewhat elevated or dramatic. 'Mitleid' fits generally; 'Erbarmen' fits when the feeling is especially strong and leads to help or leniency.
Der Trainer hatte Erbarmen mit den erschöpften Spielern und beendete das Training früher.
The coach had mercy on the exhausted players and ended training early.
Nach der Nachricht hatte Mara Mitleid mit ihrer Kollegin.
After the news, Mara felt pity for her colleague.