mitfühlend

compassionate, empathetic

adjective MIT-fue-lend Rare

Also means

sympathetic

Usage Note

Mitfühlend (from mitfühlen, to feel-with) is the everyday adjective for compassion. It is slightly warmer than verständnisvoll (understanding) and less formal than mitleidsvoll. Used freely in social and psychological contexts.

Examples

"Die mitfühlende Ärztin hörte geduldig zu, bevor sie eine Diagnose stellte."

Natural Translation

The compassionate doctor listened patiently before making a diagnosis.

Literal Translation

The compassionate doctor listened patiently before she a diagnosis placed.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Umlauts & ß: Sounds and Typing

Pronounce ä, ö, ü with the front-tongue, rounded-lips rule, master the ß vs ss spelling, and type every German umlaut on Mac, Windows, and phone.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

How to Tell Time in German Without Mistakes

Halb sieben means 6:30, not 7:30. Master telling time in German — Viertel nach, halb, vor, the 24-hour clock, and the prepositions that trip up beginners.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Numbers 1–100: Why 21 Is Said Backwards

German numbers 1 to 100 reverse the digits: 21 is einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty). Learn the und rule, the irregulars, and how to hear prices fast.

June 5, 2026 6 min read