compassion
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compassion
The ability and willingness to empathize with another person's feelings (especially suffering) and to share in them.
Sie zeigte großes Mitgefühl für die Familie, die ihr Zuhause verloren hatte.
She showed great compassion for the family that had lost their home.
'Mitgefühl' (compassion) is a very logical word. It consists of the preposition 'mit' (with) and the noun 'Gefühl' (feeling). So it describes the feeling that you share 'with' another person.
Sein Mitgefühl half ihr in der schweren Zeit.
His compassion helped her during the difficult time.
To express whom one feels compassion toward, the prepositions 'für' (for, with accusative) or 'mit' (with, with dative) are used.
Ich habe großes Mitgefühl für die Betroffenen der Flutkatastrophe.
I have great compassion for those affected by the flood disaster.
'Mitgefühl' (compassion) is often combined with verbs that express showing or having this feeling. Typical phrases are 'Mitgefühl haben' (to have compassion), 'Mitgefühl zeigen' (to show compassion), and 'Mitgefühl empfinden' (to feel compassion).
In dieser Situation ist es wichtig, Mitgefühl zu zeigen.
In this situation, it is important to show compassion.
pity / compassion
Mitleid and Mitgefühl both refer to feeling sympathy for a person's suffering. Mitleid focuses more on the person's unfortunate situation and can sound more detached. Mitgefühl emphasizes empathizing with the person's feelings. If you want to express empathetic understanding, Mitgefühl is usually the better choice.
Als Paul mit ihr über ihre Gefühle sprach, zeigte er tiefes Mitgefühl.
When Paul talked with her about her feelings, he showed deep compassion.
Als Paul von ihrer schwierigen Lage hörte, empfand er Mitleid mit ihr.
When Paul heard about her difficult situation, he felt pity for her.
