unbarmherzig
merciless
Showing no mercy or compassion and treating others harshly.
EXAMPLE
Der unbarmherzige Herrscher ließ jeden Widerstand brutal unterdrücken.
The merciless ruler had all resistance brutally suppressed.
unbarmherzig
merciless
unbarmherzig – unbarmherziger – am unbarmherzigsten
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Meanings
unbarmherzig
relentless
Having a very harsh, unforgiving, or unyielding effect, with little relief and making something difficult to endure.
EXAMPLE
Die unbarmherzige Hitze machte jede Bewegung anstrengend.
The relentless heat made every movement an effort.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry unbarmherzig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | unbarmherzig |
|---|---|
| comparative | unbarmherziger |
| superlative | am unbarmherzigsten |
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unbarmherzig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to unbarmherzig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to unbarmherzig.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Unbarmherzig' (merciless) consists of 'un-' and 'barmherzig' (merciful). Here, the prefix 'un-' negates the quality, helping you understand the overall meaning as a lack of mercy or leniency.
EXAMPLE
Sein unbarmherziges Verhalten verletzte viele Menschen.
His merciless behavior hurt many people.
Typical collocations
When describing people or their actions, 'unbarmherzig' (merciless) often appears with words such as 'Herrscher' (ruler), 'Behandlung' (treatment), 'Strafe' (punishment), or 'Unterdrückung' (oppression). It describes behavior that lacks consideration and compassion.
EXAMPLE
Die Gefangenen litten unter der unbarmherzigen Behandlung ihrer Bewacher.
The prisoners suffered under the merciless treatment of their guards.
Intense effects
When describing things or conditions, 'unbarmherzig' (relentless) is often associated with forces of nature or difficult circumstances. It refers to an effect that continues without a break or relief.
EXAMPLE
Die unbarmherzige Kälte zwang die Wanderer zur Umkehr.
The relentless cold forced the hikers to turn back.
In real life
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