die  Reue

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁɔʏ̯ə/

😢 What does 'die Reue' mean?

Die Reue (feminine) describes a deep feeling of regret, remorse, or repentance regarding a past action, omission, or decision that one recognizes as wrong, harmful, or morally reprehensible. It's often associated with the wish to undo what happened or to make amends.

Unlike simple regret (das Bedauern), which can also relate to circumstances one is not responsible for, die Reue usually implies personal responsibility or guilt.

⚠️ Important: 'Die Reue' is almost exclusively used in the singular. The plural ('die Reuen') is very rare and uncommon.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Reue' in Detail

Die Reue is a feminine noun. It's typically used without an article when speaking about the feeling in general, or with the definite article 'die' when meant more specifically. A plural form exists formally but is extremely rare in common usage.

Declension Singular

*Using the indefinite article ('eine Reue') is very rare and usually stylistically marked.

Declension Plural

The plural 'die Reuen' is grammatically possible but very uncommon in general language. People usually speak of 'Gefühlen der Reue' (feelings of regret) or rephrase it.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Er empfand tiefe Reue für seine Taten. (He felt deep remorse for his actions.)
2. Die Reue kam zu spät, der Schaden war bereits angerichtet. (The regret came too late; the damage was already done.)
3. Sie zeigte keine Spur von Reue. (She showed no trace of remorse.)
4. Manchmal ist Reue der erste Schritt zur Besserung. (Sometimes remorse is the first step towards improvement.)

🗣️ How to use 'die Reue'?

'Die Reue' is used to express the strong negative feeling after an action or omission recognized as wrong. It's a key term in contexts of morality, ethics, law, and personal development.

• Contexts: After misconduct, crimes, missed opportunities, wrong decisions.
• Typical Collocations: tiefe Reue empfinden/fühlen/zeigen (to feel/show deep remorse), von Reue erfüllt sein (to be filled with remorse), ohne Reue handeln (to act without remorse), zur Reue kommen (to come to repent).
• Differentiation:
  • Das Bedauern (regret/pity): Can also concern external circumstances (e.g., „Ich bedauere, dass es regnet.“ - I regret that it's raining.). Reue is stronger and usually implies guilt.
  • Die Buße (penance/atonement): Often refers to an action or penalty as a consequence of remorse, frequently in religious or legal contexts (e.g., „Buße tun“ - to do penance).
  • Die Zerknirschung (contrition): Very similar, often used synonymously, intense form of remorse.

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Reue'

For the article 'die': Think of 'die' Schuld (the guilt) or 'die' Sünde (the sin) – both often reasons for die Reue. Many feminine nouns end in '-e', and while 'Reue' doesn't follow a strict rule here, 'die' fits the pattern of abstract feminine nouns.

For the meaning: Imagine someone made a mistake and has to 'rue' the day. 'Rue' sounds very similar to 'Reue'. Both mean regret or remorse.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution - Misleading):

• Treue (die): Loyalty, faithfulness. Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Dieb nach dem Einbruch Reue gezeigt?
Er hat aus Versehen nur Diät-Kekse gestohlen!

(Why did the thief show remorse after the burglary?
He accidentally only stole diet cookies!)

📜 Poem about Remorse

Ein Schatten legt sich auf die Zeit,
Ein Stich ins Herz, der leise schreit.
Was getan, gesagt, versäumt,
Von falschem Weg nur schlecht geträumt.
Die Reue nagt, ein kalter Hauch,
Verändern möcht' man's gern, doch auch
Lernt man daraus, wird vielleicht klug,
Und macht denselben Fehler nie im Zug.

(A shadow falls upon the time,
A sting in the heart, a silent chime.
What was done, said, or missed out,
Of the wrong path, only badly dreamt about.
Remorse gnaws, a cold breath near,
One wishes to change it, hold it dear,
But learns from it, perhaps grows wise,
And never makes the same mistake that belies.)

❓ Riddle

Ich komme oft zu spät ans Licht,
Wenn Unrecht schon geschehen ist.
Ich bin ein Schmerz tief in der Brust,
Ein Wunsch, es wär' dir nie bewusst,
Was du getan. Ich folge Schuld und Pein.
Wer bin ich wohl? Denk scharf nach, sei nicht klein!

(I often come to light too late,
When wrong has already sealed its fate.
I am a pain deep in the chest,
A wish you'd never put to test,
What you have done. I follow guilt and pain.
Who might I be? Think hard, use your brain!)

Solution: Die Reue (Remorse/Regret)

🤓 Trivia

Etymology: The word 'Reue' comes from the Old High German 'hriuwa' (sorrow, pain, grief). It is related to the English word 'rue'.

Verb: The corresponding verb is 'bereuen'. Example: "Ich bereue meine Entscheidung." (I regret my decision.)

Adjective: The adjective is 'reuig' or 'reumütig' (remorseful, repentant). Example: "Er zeigte sich reumütig." (He appeared repentant.)