01
jämmerlich
pitiful
In a very bad, pitiable state; arousing pity or sadness.
example
Das verletzte Tier gab ein jämmerliches Wimmern von sich.
The injured animal let out a pitiful whimper.
jämmerlich
pitiful / pathetic
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'jämmerlich' (pitiful/pathetic) is closely related to the noun 'der Jammer', which means 'great suffering' or 'misery'. Something that is 'jämmerlich' is therefore full of misery or arouses it.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Niederlage war der Jammer in der Mannschaft groß.
After the defeat, there was great misery in the team.
Use as an adverb
In this meaning, 'jämmerlich' (terribly) is used as an adverb to strongly emphasize a negative feeling or state. It then stands directly before the verb or adjective that it intensifies.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe nachts im Zelt jämmerlich gefroren.
I froze terribly in the tent at night.
Typical collocations
When it comes to poor performance, 'jämmerlich' (pathetic/pathetically) is often combined with the verb 'scheitern' (to fail). It then describes complete, total failure.
EXAMPLE
Sein Versuch, die Investoren zu überzeugen, ist jämmerlich gescheitert.
His attempt to convince the investors failed pathetically.
Typical collocations
To describe a pitiable state, 'jämmerlich' (pitiful) is often used with nouns such as 'Anblick' (sight), 'Zustand' (condition), or 'Geräusch' (sound).
EXAMPLE
Die verlassene Hütte bot einen jämmerlichen Anblick.
The abandoned hut was a pitiful sight.
Compare with
jämmerlich vs traurig
sad
'traurig' and 'jämmerlich' can both describe something that arouses pity or a bad feeling. 'traurig' is especially used for feelings, news, or situations that cause sorrow. It is usually neutral and common in everyday language. 'jämmerlich' is stronger and often more negative. It describes someone or something in a very bad, pitiable state, or a very poor performance. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with suffering or pity. As a simple guide: for a feeling or regrettable news, 'traurig' is more natural; for something very pathetic or very bad, 'jämmerlich' fits better.
jämmerlich
Der verletzte Hund lag jämmerlich am Straßenrand.
The injured dog lay pitifully by the side of the road.
traurig
Nach der schlechten Nachricht war meine Mutter den ganzen Morgen traurig.
After the bad news, my mother was sad all morning.
In real life
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