cruel
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cruel
Intentionally and without pity causing someone or something pain or suffering. It describes an action or person that is extremely brutal and inhuman.
Die Behandlung der Gefangenen war grausam und verstieß gegen alle Menschenrechte.
The treatment of the prisoners was cruel and violated all human rights.
The adjective 'grausam' (cruel) is related to the noun 'der Graus', which means 'horror' or 'dread'. Something cruel therefore creates a feeling of horror.
Der Anblick der Zerstörung war ein Graus.
The sight of the destruction was a horror.
The meaning of 'grausam' (cruel/awful) depends strongly on the context. In connection with violence, crimes, or suffering, it means 'brutal'. In colloquial language about things like weather or food, it simply means 'very bad'.
Der Diktator führte ein grausames Regime.
The dictator ran a cruel regime.
In the meaning of 'brutal', 'grausam' (cruel) is often used to describe acts, crimes, or people's character. Typical combinations are 'eine grausame Tat' (a cruel act), 'ein grausames Schicksal' (a cruel fate), or 'ein grausamer Mensch' (a cruel person).
Der Film erzählt die Geschichte eines grausamen Verbrechens.
The film tells the story of a cruel crime.
The use of 'grausam' (awful) in the sense of 'terrible' or 'very bad' is typical of informal colloquial language. In formal texts, this meaning would usually be avoided.
Die Musik auf der Party war einfach nur grausam.
The music at the party was simply awful.
human
'menschlich' and 'grausam' are clear opposites here. 'menschlich' describes behavior with compassion, understanding, and consideration. 'grausam', on the other hand, describes behavior in which someone causes suffering or pain without pity. 'menschlich' fits when someone remains kind and fair, even in a difficult situation. 'grausam' fits when an action is harsh, brutal, or deliberately hurtful.
Der Mann behandelte den Hund so grausam, dass jemand die Polizei rief.
The man treated the dog so cruelly that someone called the police.
Es war sehr menschlich von ihm, der alten Nachbarin sofort zu helfen.
It was very humane of him to help the elderly neighbor right away.