keine Gnade
/ˈkaɪ̯nə ˈɡnaːdə/word by word
The German phrase for "no mercy" is keine Gnade.
This phrase is used to express that no forgiveness or compassion will be shown to an opponent.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of keine (no/none) and Gnade (mercy/grace).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Gnade is a feminine noun, the negative determiner must take the feminine ending -e in the nominative and accusative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkaɪ̯nə ˈɡnaːdə/
Did you know?
- The term Gnadenstoß refers to a 'mercy blow' or a coup de grâce, used to end the suffering of a mortally wounded person.
- The word Gnade can be used as a polite, though archaic, form of address for a high-ranking noble, as in Eure Gnaden.
- While Gnade is often translated as 'mercy', its root is actually linked to the Old Gothic word niþan, which meant 'to help'.
Examples in context
- Erwarte keine Gnade.Expect no mercy.Tatoeba #12389193 by mayabe, translation #2245486 by CK
- Keine Gnade zeigen, okay?Show no mercy, okay?
- Ich werde keine Gnade gewähren!I will show no mercy!
- Wir werden keine Gnade zeigen.We will show no mercy.
- In diesem Spiel gibt es keine Gnade.There is no mercy in this game.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a highly competitive video game.
- LukasBist du bereit für das nächste Level?Are you ready for the next level?
- HannahJa, ich werde keine Gnade kennen.Yes, I will show no mercy.
- LukasDas wird ein harter Kampf gegen dich.That will be a tough fight against you.
- HannahLass uns anfangen!Let's begin!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (keine, Gnade) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gnade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
