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Bußfertigkeit

penitence, readiness to do penance for wrongdoing

noun BOOS-fer-tig-kite Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Origin: from Buße (penance) + fertig (ready) in the religious sense

Usage Note

Bußfertigkeit is primarily a religious term (Christian theology) for the disposition to acknowledge sin and seek atonement. In secular use it appears ironically or when genuine contrition is emphasised. Echte Bußfertigkeit zeigen is a liturgical phrase.

Examples

"Der Politiker zeigte wenig Bußfertigkeit, obwohl seine Fehler offenkundig waren."

Natural Translation

The politician showed little penitence, even though his mistakes were obvious.

Literal Translation

The politician showed little penitence, although his mistakes obvious were.

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