Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| erbärmlich | /ɛɐ̯ˈbɛʁmlɪç/ |
| kläglich | |
| mitleiderregend | /ˈmɪtlaɪ̯tʔɛˌʁeːɡn̩t/ |
| bemitleidenswert | |
| erbarmungswürdig | |
| Mitleid erregend |
All these terms describe something so appalling or sad that one feels or should feel sorry for it. Related adverbs like mitleidig or mitleidsvoll can also be used to describe acting in a pitiful manner. Pitifully. Piteously. Pathetically.
What does it mean word for word?
The word erbarmungswürdig is literally 'worthy of mercy', constructed from Erbarmung (mercy/pity) and the suffix -swürdig (worthy of).
Which one should you use?
While several forms exist, they carry different tones. Bemitleidenswert is a more neutral, descriptive term for something that evokes genuine sympathy. In contrast, erbärmlich often carries a tone of contempt. Other forms include kläglich, mitleiderregend and the phrase Mitleid erregend.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Be careful with the related term mitleidig. This adjective or adverb describes the person feeling the pity (e.g., a pitiful look from a sympathetic person), rather than the object being pitied.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐ̯ˈbɛʁmlɪç/
Did you know?
- The root of erbärmlich is the verb erbarmen, which is the formal way to say 'to have mercy'.
- Using erbärmlich to describe a person's character is much more insulting in German than calling someone 'pitiful' is in English.
- German allows for the construction of compound adjectives like mitleiderregend by combining 'pity' and 'evoking' into one word.
Examples in context
- Du bist erbärmlich.You're pitiful.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use erbärmlich to describe a person.Tatoeba #12742365 by Waldelfe, translation #11423908 by Agestur
- Tief gerührt von der bemitleidenswerten Geschichte des alten Mannes, brach das kleine Mädchen in Tränen aus.The little girl, deeply moved by the old man's pitiful story, burst into tears.This sentence shows how to use bemitleidenswert to describe a story.Tatoeba #784374 by Hans_Adler, translation #46423 by CK
- In erbärmlicher Kleidung und mit einer Handvoll Rechnungen bei sich fragte ein alter Mann mit zitternder Stimme, ob man hier seine Schulden bezahlen könne.With pitiful clothing and a handful of bills with him, an old man asked with quavering voice whether he could pay his bills here.This sentence demonstrates the use of erbärmlich to describe clothing.Tatoeba #1718828 by al_ex_an_der, translation #6031354 by tinowls
- Das Los der Obdachlosen ist bedauernswert.The plight of the homeless is pitiful.
- Sein Versuch, sie zu beeindrucken, war wirklich armseelig.His attempt to impress her was really pitiful.
- Der Zustand des verlassenen Hauses ist wirklich jämmerlich.The condition of the abandoned house is truly pitiful.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are talking about a poorly maintained park.
- MaximilianDer Zustand dieses Parks ist wirklich erbärmlich.The condition of this park is truly pitiful.
- HannahJa, überall liegt Müll auf dem Boden.Yes, there is trash on the ground everywhere.
- MaximilianEs ist erbärmlich, dass niemand hier aufräumt.It is pitiful that nobody cleans up here.
- HannahWir sollten die Stadtverwaltung darüber informieren.We should inform the city administration about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pitiful” translations and entries erbärmlich, kläglich, mitleiderregend, bemitleidenswert, erbarmungswürdig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bemitleidenswert, erbärmlich, kläglich, mitleiderregend, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
