erbärmlich
/ɛɐ̯ˈbɛʁmlɪç/
The English phrase pathetic translates to German as erbärmlich. Wiktionary also lists jämmerlich.
Meaning: arousing scorn or contempt (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| erbärmlich | /ɛɐ̯ˈbɛʁmlɪç/ |
| jämmerlich |
Both erbärmlich and jämmerlich can be used to describe something that arouses scorn or contempt.
Which one should you use?
erbärmlich often carries a stronger connotation of being wretched, miserable or deserving of contempt. In contrast, jämmerlich can lean more towards being pitiful or wretched in a physical or situational sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, erbärmlich takes standard inflectional endings when used before a noun, such as in the phrase ein erbärmlicher Versuch (a pathetic attempt).
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐ̯ˈbɛʁmlɪç/
Did you know?
- While erbärmlich usually means 'pathetic' today, its root erbarmen means 'to have mercy'. The word originally described something that makes you feel pity or compassion rather than scorn.
- To express the act of taking pity in German, the verb erbarmen is almost always used reflexively as sich erbarmen.
- Unlike some English slang where 'pathetic' can be used ironically or as a compliment, erbärmlich is never used in a positive way.
Examples in context
- Du bist so erbärmlich!You're so pathetic.This sentence shows how to direct the word erbärmlich at a person.Tatoeba #8261324 by Luiaard, translation #2218388 by CK
- Das ist so erbärmlich.That's so pathetic.This sentence shows how to use erbärmlich to describe a situation or object.Tatoeba #8305724 by GuidoW, translation #2257401 by CK
- Ist das nicht erbärmlich?Isn't it pathetic?This is a way to ask for confirmation using erbärmlich.Tatoeba #8056649 by Luiaard, translation #2248663 by CK
- Die Situation ist wirklich bedauernswert.The situation is truly pathetic.
- Sein Verhalten war wirklich jämmerlich.His behavior was truly pathetic.
- Es war eine elendige Vorstellung.It was a pathetic performance.
- Seine Bemühungen waren wirklich armselig.His efforts were truly pathetic.
- Das ist doch lächerlich!That is just pathetic!
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about a lazy coworker.
- LauraHast du seine Ausrede gehört?Did you hear his excuse?
- MaximilianJa, das war wirklich erbärmlich.Yes, that was really pathetic.
- LauraEr versucht nur, sich zu rechtfertigen.He is just trying to justify himself.
- MaximilianDas ist einfach nur traurig.That is just sad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pathetic” translations and entries erbärmlich, jämmerlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
