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Zerknirschtheit

contrition, remorseful guilt

noun tser-KNIRSHT-hite Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Zerknirschtheit conveys a crushed, penitent inner state, stronger than mere Reue (regret). It often implies visible dejection; you can hear it in formal apology contexts and religious language.

Examples

"Mit echter Zerknirschtheit bat er um Entschuldigung und versprach, es nie wieder zu tun."

Natural Translation

With genuine contrition he apologised and promised never to do it again.

Literal Translation

With genuine contrition he asked for forgiveness and promised it never again to do.

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