pang of conscience / remorse
der Gewissensbiss, die Gewissensbisse
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pang of conscience
A strong feeling of guilt or remorse because you have done or failed to do something you consider morally wrong.
Nach der Lüge bekam sie heftige Gewissensbisse.
After lying, she was overcome by pangs of conscience.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gewissensbisse |
| genitive | des Gewissensbisses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Gewissensbiss | die Gewissensbisse |
| accusative | den Gewissensbiss | die Gewissensbisse |
| dative | dem Gewissensbiss | den Gewissensbissen |
| genitive | des Gewissensbisses | der Gewissensbisse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Gewissensbiss' (pang of conscience) is made up of 'Gewissen' (conscience) and 'Biss' (bite). The image describes an unpleasant feeling that 'bites' inside you when you consider your own behavior morally wrong.
Seit diesem Vorfall quälten ihn ständige Gewissensbisse.
Since that incident, he had been tormented by constant pangs of conscience.
'Gewissensbiss' (pang of conscience) is usually used in the plural. Common phrases include 'Gewissensbisse haben' (to have pangs of conscience), 'Gewissensbisse bekommen' (to develop pangs of conscience), and 'starke Gewissensbisse' (strong pangs of conscience). The reason is often introduced with 'wegen' (because of) or a 'weil' (because) clause.
Wegen seines unfairen Verhaltens hatte er starke Gewissensbisse.
Because of his unfair behavior, he had strong pangs of conscience.
