Zerknirschung

contrition

noun tser-KNIRSH-oong Less Common

Also means

deep remorse

Usage Note

Zerknirschung is profound, almost crushing contrition, from zerknirschen (to crush). It is stronger and more humbling than ordinary Reue. The adjective zerknirscht describes a crestfallen, guilty look.

Examples

"Mit sichtbarer Zerknirschung bat er um Verzeihung."

Natural Translation

With visible contrition he begged for forgiveness.

Literal Translation

With visible contrition asked he for forgiveness.

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