remorse
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remorse
The feeling of deep regret about a wrong action or misconduct, often connected with the wish to undo it.
Er zeigte tiefe Reue für sein Verhalten und entschuldigte sich aufrichtig.
He showed deep remorse for his behavior and apologized sincerely.
'Die Reue' (remorse) is the noun related to the rare verb 'reuen' (to make someone regret something). It is often used in the impersonal form 'etwas reut jemanden' (someone regrets something), for example: 'Sein Verhalten reut ihn sehr.' (He deeply regrets his behavior.)
Mich reut es, dass ich nicht ehrlicher war.
I regret that I wasn't more honest.
'Reue' (remorse) is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'empfinden' (to feel), or 'fühlen' (to feel). Typical adjectives are 'tief' (deep), 'aufrichtig' (sincere), or 'bitter' (bitter).
Vor Gericht zeigte der Angeklagte keinerlei Reue.
In court, the defendant showed no remorse at all.
To express what someone regrets, use the preposition 'über' followed by the accusative.
Sie empfand große Reue über ihre voreilige Entscheidung.
She felt great remorse over her hasty decision.
to regret / pity
Both words refer to regret about a wrong action. „Bedauern“ can be more general and less intense, while „Reue“ expresses deeper moral regret and often includes the wish to undo the action. Use „bedauern“ for expressing regret and „Reue“ for the strong feeling.
Nach der Lüge empfand ich tiefe Reue.
After the lie, I felt deep remorse.
Ich bedauere, dass ich meinen Bruder angelogen habe.
I regret lying to my brother.
