gnädig

gracious, merciful

adjective GNAE-dikh Rare

Also means

lenient

Usage Note

Gnädig can be genuinely kind or condescendingly lenient. In modern use a gnädiges Urteil is a lenient verdict; addressed to someone as Gnädige Frau it is now archaic and ironic. The ironic use (er war gnädig und hat nichts gesagt) is common.

Examples

"Der Richter war gnädig und verhängte eine milde Strafe."

Natural Translation

The judge was merciful and imposed a lenient sentence.

Literal Translation

The judge was gracious and imposed a mild punishment.

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