das
Mitgefühl
💖 What does "das Mitgefühl" mean?
Das Mitgefühl is a German noun meaning compassion or empathy. It describes the ability and willingness to understand and share the feelings (especially suffering or sadness) of others. It signifies genuine sympathy and concern for the well-being of others.
It's an abstract noun and is neuter (sächlich). The definite article is therefore "das". It is almost exclusively used in the singular form.
Example: Sie zeigte großes Mitgefühl für die Opfer der Katastrophe. (She showed great compassion for the victims of the disaster.)
Article rules for der, die, and das
Ge- → mostly neutral.
Nouns beginning with Ge- are usually neutral, unless other rules apply. We do not list all Ge nouns.
🧐 Grammar of Mitgefühl in Detail
The word "Mitgefühl" is a neuter noun (sächliches Substantiv). Therefore, the definite article is "das". It's typically used only in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. A plural form ("die Mitgefühle") is very uncommon and might only appear in specific philosophical or poetic contexts.
Singular Declension
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article | No Article |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Nominativ) | das Mitgefühl | ein Mitgefühl | Mitgefühl |
| Genitive (Genitiv) | des Mitgefühls / Mitgefühles | eines Mitgefühls / Mitgefühles | Mitgefühls / Mitgefühles |
| Dative (Dativ) | dem Mitgefühl / Mitgefühle | einem Mitgefühl / Mitgefühle | Mitgefühl / Mitgefühle |
| Accusative (Akkusativ) | das Mitgefühl | ein Mitgefühl | Mitgefühl |
⚠️ The Genitive case can end in -s or -es. The Dative case can optionally end in -e, but this sounds rather formal or archaic.
Example Sentences
- Sein Mitgefühl war echt und tief. (His compassion was genuine and deep.)
- Aus reinem Mitgefühl half er dem Fremden. (Out of pure compassion, he helped the stranger.)
- Wir brauchen mehr Mitgefühl in der Welt. (We need more compassion in the world.)
- Trotz des fehlenden Mitgefühls mancher Leute, gab sie nicht auf. (Despite the lack of compassion from some people, she didn't give up.)
💡 How to use "das Mitgefühl"?
"Mitgefühl" is used to express a deep emotional connection and understanding of others' feelings, especially in situations involving suffering. It's a key term in interpersonal relationships and ethical discussions.
- Context: Often used in situations of grief, loss, illness, or misfortune.
- Usage: You can "Mitgefühl haben" (to have compassion), "Mitgefühl zeigen" (to show compassion), "Mitgefühl ausdrücken" (to express compassion), or "Mitgefühl empfinden" (to feel compassion).
- Distinction: It differs from Mitleid (pity). Mitleid can sometimes carry a condescending connotation (pitying someone from a perceived superior position), whereas Mitgefühl describes a feeling on equal footing – a genuine sharing of the emotion. Empathie (empathy) is often a synonym but emphasizes the ability to put oneself in another's emotional state more strongly.
Example: Ihre Worte drückten tiefes Mitgefühl aus, nicht nur oberflächliches Mitleid. (Her words expressed deep compassion, not just superficial pity.)
🧠 Mnemonics for Mitgefühl
Article Mnemonic (das): Many abstract nouns representing feelings, especially those ending in "-gefühl", are neuter in German: das Gefühl (the feeling), das Mitgefühl (the compassion), das Fingerspitzengefühl (the intuition/tact). Think: Abstract concepts often take 'das'. Also, 'gefühl' itself is 'das Gefühl'.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: Mit-Gefühl. "Mit" means "with" and "Gefühl" means "feeling". So, it literally means "feeling *with* someone". Imagine you are feeling *with* them, sharing their emotional load.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Empathie: Empathy - Very close, emphasizes putting oneself in another's shoes.
- Anteilnahme: Sympathy, condolence - Participation in another's suffering, often more formal.
- Einfühlungsvermögen: Sensitivity, empathy - The capacity to empathize.
- Menschlichkeit: Humanity, humaneness - In the sense of humane attitude.
- Herzlichkeit: Warmth, cordiality - Emphasizes the warmth of the feeling.
- Barmherzigkeit: Mercy, charity - Often with religious/ethical connotations, involving active help out of compassion.
Antonyms (Opposites):
- Gleichgültigkeit: Indifference - Lack of interest in others' fate.
- Hartherzigkeit: Hard-heartedness - Inability to feel compassion.
- Gefühlskälte: Coldness, frigidity - Lack of emotional warmth.
- Teilnahmslosigkeit: Apathy - Lack of sympathy or involvement.
- Unbarmherzigkeit: Mercilessness, ruthlessness - Opposite of mercy.
- Egoismus: Egoism, selfishness - Focus on one's own well-being.
🚨 Note: While Mitleid (pity) is related, it's not always a perfect synonym. It can be perceived as condescending.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Computer kein Mitgefühl? Weil er keine Gefühle hat, nur Prozessoren! (Und die sind oft ziemlich kühl.)
Why does the computer have no compassion? Because it has no feelings, only processors! (And those are often quite cool/cold.)
✍️ A Poem about Mitgefühl
Ein Herz, das fühlt, was andere tragen,
In dunklen Stunden, schweren Tagen.
Kein Mitleid nur, das von oben schaut,
Das Mitgefühl, das leise baut
Eine Brücke zart, von Seel' zu Seel',
Und lindert sanft des anderen Quäl'.
Es ist ein Band, so stark und rein,
Lässt keinen mit dem Schmerz allein.
A heart that feels what others bear,
In darkest hours, heavy days of care.
Not merely pity, looking from above,
But compassion, built with gentle love,
A tender bridge, from soul to soul,
That softly soothes another's dole.
It is a bond, so strong and pure,
Leaves no one in their pain obscure.
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe keinen Körper, doch fühle ich Schmerz.
Ich spreche nicht laut, doch erreiche dein Herz.
Ich sehe nicht, doch erkenne ich Leid.
Ich bin ein Gefühl voller Menschlichkeit.
Was bin ich?
Lösung: Das Mitgefühl
I have no body, yet I feel pain.
I speak no words aloud, yet your heart I gain.
I cannot see, yet suffering I know.
I am a feeling, humanity I show.
What am I?
Solution: Compassion (Das Mitgefühl)
🧩 More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Mitgefühl" is composed of:
- Mit-: A preposition/prefix meaning "with", "together with", "along with".
- Gefühl: The noun for "feeling", "emotion", "sensation".
So, the literal meaning is "with-feeling", which perfectly captures the essence of the word.
Cultural Significance: In German-speaking cultures, as in many others, Mitgefühl is considered an important social and ethical virtue. It forms the basis for helpfulness (Hilfsbereitschaft) and solidarity (Solidarität).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Mitgefühl?
The correct article for "Mitgefühl" is das. It is a neuter noun describing the ability to empathize with the feelings of others (compassion). It is almost always used in the singular.