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B2 noun 10분 분량

medelijden

예시
설명 medelijden in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn Dutch. 'Medelijden' is a word you might hear when people talk about feelings. Think of it as 'feeling sorry for someone'. When you see someone who is sad, you might feel this emotion. In A1, you don't need to know all the complex grammar, but you should know the phrase: 'Ik heb medelijden met jou.' This means 'I feel sorry for you.' It is made of two small parts: 'mede' (with) and 'lijden' (to suffer). So, you suffer a little bit with the other person. You can use it when a friend is sick or when someone loses their toy. It is a very kind word to use. Just remember to use 'met' after it. You can say 'Ik heb medelijden met de hond' if the dog is out in the rain. It is a good word to show you are a nice person who cares about others. Don't worry about the spelling too much yet, just try to recognize the sound 'me-de-ly-den'. It is a long word, but it is very common. You will hear it in stories and in class. Try saying it slowly: me-de-lij-den. Great! Now you can express a very important human feeling in Dutch. Even at A1, being able to say you feel sorry for someone helps you make friends and connect with people in the Netherlands or Belgium.
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At the A2 level, you can start using 'medelijden' in more sentences. You know that it is a noun, and you usually use it with the verb 'hebben'. The structure is 'Subject + hebben + medelijden + met + person'. For example: 'Zij heeft medelijden met haar buurman.' This is useful when you are describing people's lives or telling simple stories. You might also learn the word 'zelfmedelijden', which is when you feel sorry for yourself. At A2, you should also know that 'medelijden' is something you 'voelen' (feel). 'Ik voel medelijden' is also correct. You can start to use small adjectives to make your meaning clearer. You can say 'veel medelijden' (much pity) or 'een beetje medelijden' (a little pity). This helps you be more specific. When you read simple Dutch texts or watch children's TV, you will see this word often. It is used to show why a character helps another character. 'Hij hielp de oude vrouw uit medelijden.' (He helped the old woman out of pity). 'Uit medelijden' is a useful fixed phrase to learn at this level. It explains the reason for an action. Remember that the 'ij' sound is important for your pronunciation. It sounds like the 'y' in 'my' but a bit different. Keep practicing this word, and you will sound more natural when talking about emotions.
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At the B1 level, you are becoming more independent in your Dutch. You should understand that 'medelijden' has a few synonyms and that the choice of word matters. While 'medelijden' means pity, 'medeleven' is more like sympathy. At B1, you can start to use 'medelijden' in more complex sentences with subordinate clauses. For example: 'Ik vind het jammer dat hij zoveel medelijden met zichzelf heeft.' You should also be aware of the social nuance: sometimes, saying you have 'medelijden' can sound a bit like you think you are better than the other person. Therefore, you might choose to use 'ik leef met je mee' (I sympathize with you) in sensitive situations. You can also use the word in the context of social issues, like poverty or refugees. 'Veel mensen hebben medelijden met de vluchtelingen.' This level also requires you to understand the word in different tenses. 'Gisteren had ik echt medelijden met hem.' You can use it to describe motivations in more detail. 'Hij deed het niet voor het geld, maar uit puur medelijden.' You are also ready to learn the adjective 'medelijdenwekkend', which describes something that causes pity. 'Het was een medelijdenwekkend gezicht.' This adds more color to your descriptions. You will encounter 'medelijden' in news articles and more advanced reading materials, where it often appears in discussions about ethics or social responsibility.
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At the B2 level, which is your current level, you should have a nuanced grasp of 'medelijden'. You understand its etymological roots and how they compare to the German 'Mitleid' or the English 'compassion'. You are aware of the potential for 'medelijden' to be perceived as patronizing and you know when to opt for 'medeleven' or 'compassie' instead. You can use the word in formal and informal registers. In a formal debate, you might say: 'Het beleid moet niet gebaseerd zijn op medelijden, maar op rechtvaardigheid.' (Policy should not be based on pity, but on justice). You are comfortable using the word in idiomatic expressions and fixed combinations like 'medelijden wekken' (to arouse pity) or 'geen medelijden kennen' (to know no pity/to be ruthless). You can also discuss the psychological aspects of 'zelfmedelijden' and how it is viewed in Dutch culture. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use related words like 'meewarig' or 'barmhartig' to describe the *way* someone shows pity. You can analyze texts where 'medelijden' is a central theme, such as in the works of 19th-century Dutch authors who used it to advocate for social reform. You understand that 'medelijden' is a strong emotion that can drive both personal actions and political movements. Your pronunciation is clear, and you use the correct preposition 'met' instinctively. You are also able to explain the difference between 'medelijden' and 'spijt' to lower-level learners, demonstrating your mastery of the word's specific meaning.
At the C1 level, you approach 'medelijden' from a more philosophical and literary perspective. You can discuss the ethics of pity, perhaps referencing philosophers who have debated whether 'medelijden' is a virtue or a weakness. You understand the subtle differences between 'medelijden', 'deelneming', 'compassie', and 'erbarmen'. You can use the word in highly formal contexts, such as an academic essay on Dutch literature or a legal argument regarding mitigating circumstances. You are sensitive to the historical connotations of the word, recognizing how its usage has evolved from a religious duty to a modern psychological concept. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures: 'Het is niet zozeer medelijden wat we nodig hebben, maar een fundamentele herstructurering van onze empathische vermogens.' You are also familiar with less common derivatives and compounds. You can identify and use 'medelijden' in various registers, from the cynical ('Bespaar me je medelijden') to the sublime. You understand the role of 'medelijden' in the 'catharsis' of classical drama, even in a Dutch context. Your command of the word allows you to use it with precision, selecting it over its synonyms only when you specifically mean the feeling of sorrow for another's misfortune, with all its inherent complexity. You can also pick up on when a speaker uses 'medelijden' ironically or to imply a lack of respect, showing your deep cultural integration.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'medelijden' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You have a complete understanding of its lexical field and can manipulate the word to achieve specific stylistic effects. You can use 'medelijden' in poetic or archaic ways if the context demands it, such as using 'erbarmen' for a more dramatic, old-fashioned sense of mercy. You are aware of the most obscure collocations and can use the word in nuanced psychological analyses. You can participate in high-level discussions about the role of 'medelijden' in Dutch society, comparing it to other cultures' concepts of pity. You can write sophisticated critiques of how 'medelijden' is portrayed in the media, using terms like 'medelijdenscultuur'. Your understanding extends to the prosody of the word—how its rhythm fits into a well-crafted sentence. You can use 'medelijden' to evoke specific emotional responses in your audience, whether you are writing a speech, a novel, or a piece of investigative journalism. You are also aware of the linguistic history, knowing how the word 'medelijden' replaced older terms over centuries. There are no situations, whether academic, professional, or highly personal, where you would be unsure how to use 'medelijden' or its alternatives correctly. You have reached a level where the word is not just a tool for communication, but a brush with which you can paint complex emotional and ethical landscapes.
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예시
The Dutch word medelijden is a profound noun that captures the essence of human empathy and sympathy. At its core, it translates to 'pity' or 'compassion' in English, but the linguistic nuances in Dutch are specific. The word is a compound of 'mede' (meaning 'with') and 'lijden' (meaning 'to suffer'). Thus, to have medelijden is literally to 'suffer with' another person. This etymological root highlights a shared experience of pain or misfortune. In Dutch social interactions, medelijden is used to express a deep sense of sorrow for someone else's plight, whether it be a personal loss, a physical ailment, or a stroke of bad luck. However, it is important to distinguish it from its close relative, 'medeleven'. While 'medeleven' suggests a more active participation in someone's grief (sympathy/empathy), 'medelijden' can sometimes carry a slight connotation of looking down on the sufferer, much like the English word 'pity'. Despite this, in everyday conversation, it remains the standard term for feeling sorry for someone.
Emotional Depth
Medelijden involves a visceral reaction to the misfortune of others. It is the feeling that arises when you see a homeless person on a cold night or when a friend tells you about a difficult breakup. It is an acknowledgment of the other person's suffering.
Social Context
In the Netherlands, expressing medelijden is seen as a sign of humanity, but there is a cultural preference for 'nuchterheid' (down-to-earthness). Overly dramatic displays of medelijden might be met with discomfort. It is best used sincerely and concisely.

Ik heb oprecht medelijden met de mensen die hun huis zijn kwijtgeraakt door de overstroming.

In literature and formal speeches, medelijden is often invoked to stir the conscience of the public. Philosophers like Schopenhauer regarded medelijden (Mitleid in German) as the basis of all morality, suggesting that our ability to feel another's pain is what prevents us from doing harm. In modern Dutch, the word appears in news reports about humanitarian crises, in novels exploring human fragility, and in daily chats between neighbors. While 'medeleven' is preferred for cards and formal condolences, 'medelijden' is the raw, instinctive feeling of being moved by another's hardship.

Je moet geen medelijden met mezelf hebben; ik red me wel.

Self-Pity
The term 'zelfmedelijden' is very common in Dutch, referring to self-pity. Dutch culture often discourages wallowing in self-pity, preferring a 'niet lullen maar poetsen' (don't talk, just clean/work) attitude.

Stop met dat eeuwige zelfmedelijden en doe er iets aan!

Using medelijden correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical environment. As an uncountable noun, it does not have a plural form. You don't have 'medelijdens'; you simply have 'medelijden'. The most common verb construction is 'medelijden hebben met [iemand]' (to have pity on [someone]). This is the bread and butter of expressing sympathy. You can also 'medelijden voelen' (to feel pity) or 'medelijden wekken' (to arouse pity). When you want to intensify the feeling, you can use adjectives like 'diep' (deep), 'groot' (great), or 'oprecht' (sincere).
Standard Usage
The phrase 'Ik heb medelijden met hem' is the most direct way to say 'I feel sorry for him'. It is simple, effective, and widely understood across all levels of Dutch society.

De leraar had medelijden met de student die zijn presentatie volledig was vergeten.

As a Subject or Object
Medelijden can also serve as the subject of a sentence. For instance, 'Medelijden is een menselijke emotie' (Pity is a human emotion). As an object, it often follows verbs of action: 'Zij toonde geen enkel medelijden' (She showed no pity at all).

Haar blik was vol medelijden toen ze het slechte nieuws hoorde.

Furthermore, the word can be integrated into compound nouns. 'Medelijdensbetuiging' (expression of sympathy) is a formal term used in official correspondence or during funerals. 'Medelijdensgebaar' (gesture of pity) refers to an action taken out of compassion. It is also important to note the word order in subordinate clauses. For example: 'Ik vind het erg dat je zoveel medelijden met hem hebt.' Here, the noun 'medelijden' stays close to the verb 'hebt' at the end of the clause.

Hij probeerde medelijden te wekken door overdreven te manken.

Negative Constructions
Using 'geen medelijden' is a strong statement. 'Ik heb geen medelijden met fraudeurs' indicates a lack of sympathy due to the person's own actions.

De rechter toonde totaal geen medelijden met de verdachte.

You will encounter medelijden in a wide variety of settings, from the most intimate conversations to national news broadcasts. In the domestic sphere, it is a word used by parents to teach children empathy: 'Heb een beetje medelijden met je broertje, hij is gevallen.' In social circles, it surfaces when discussing the misfortunes of acquaintances. It is a staple of Dutch 'koffiepraat' (coffee talk), where people share news and offer emotional support. However, because the Dutch value resilience, you will also hear people rejecting medelijden: 'Ik wil geen medelijden, ik wil een oplossing.' This reflects a cultural desire for agency over victimhood.
In the Media
News anchors use 'medelijden' when reporting on natural disasters or humanitarian crises. Documentaries often explore the 'medelijden' of the public towards certain groups, sometimes critiquing it as 'pity porn' or superficial engagement.

De hele wereld keek met medelijden naar de beelden uit het oorlogsgebied.

In Literature and Art
Dutch literature is rich with themes of suffering and compassion. Authors use 'medelijden' to describe the complex internal states of their characters. It is a recurring theme in the works of writers like Multatuli, who sought to evoke pity for the oppressed people in the Dutch colonies.

De protagonist voelde een vlaag van medelijden voor zijn vijand.

In professional environments, the word is used more sparingly. A manager might express medelijden for an employee's personal situation while still maintaining professional boundaries. In the legal system, defense attorneys might try to evoke medelijden in the jury or judge to secure a lighter sentence, though the Dutch legal system is generally more focused on facts and rehabilitation than emotional appeals. Finally, in religious contexts, particularly within the Calvinist tradition that has shaped much of Dutch culture, medelijden is seen as a Christian duty, though it is often framed as 'barmhartigheid' (mercy/charity).

Uit medelijden gaf hij de zwerver wat kleingeld en een warme deken.

Pop Culture
In songs and lyrics, 'medelijden' is a common theme, often paired with heartbreak and loneliness. It resonates with the audience's own experiences of vulnerability.

Het liedje gaat over iemand die geen medelijden meer wil van zijn ex-partner.

Learners of Dutch often stumble over the usage of medelijden due to its similarity to other emotional terms and its specific prepositional requirements. The most frequent mistake is using the wrong preposition. In English, we have pity 'on' someone, but in Dutch, you have medelijden 'met' (with) someone. Saying 'medelijden op iemand' is a direct translation error that sounds very unnatural to native speakers. Another common pitfall is confusing 'medelijden' with 'medeleven'. While they are often interchangeable in casual speech, 'medeleven' is generally more positive and empathetic, whereas 'medelijden' can imply a power imbalance where the speaker feels superior to the sufferer.
Preposition Errors
Always remember: 'hebben MET'. Practice this as a fixed chunk: 'medelijden-hebben-met'. This will prevent you from using 'voor' or 'op'.

Fout: Ik heb medelijden voor hem.
Goed: Ik heb medelijden met hem.

Confusion with Medeleven
If someone's relative has passed away, it is much better to say 'Ik leef met je mee' or 'Mijn medeleven' than 'Ik heb medelijden met je'. The latter can sound cold or patronizing in a situation that requires deep empathy.

Gebruik medeleven bij rouw; gebruik medelijden bij algemeen ongeluk.

Additionally, learners sometimes use 'medelijden' when they mean 'spijt' (regret). If you did something wrong and you feel bad about it, you have 'spijt'. 'Medelijden' is only for feeling bad about someone else's situation. Using 'medelijden' to apologize for your own actions will confuse your listener. Lastly, pay attention to the article. It is 'het medelijden', though it is frequently used without an article in phrases like 'uit medelijden' or 'met medelijden'.

Fout: Het was mijn medelijden dat ik te laat kwam.
Goed: Het spijt me dat ik te laat kwam.

Pronunciation Pitfalls
The 'ij' sound in 'lijden' is a diphthong that is tricky for English speakers. Ensure you don't pronounce it like 'ee' (me-lee-den) or 'ay' (me-lay-den). It should be closer to the 'i' in 'light' but more closed.

Oefen de 'ij' in medelijden door je mond iets breder te maken.

To truly master the concept of medelijden, one must understand the constellation of related Dutch words that express various shades of sympathy, empathy, and mercy. The most important alternative is 'medeleven'. While 'medelijden' is the feeling of pity, 'medeleven' is the act of sympathizing or showing compassion. It is often perceived as more respectful and equal. Another related term is 'compassie', which is a more formal and international loanword, often used in spiritual or philosophical contexts. Then there is 'barmhartigheid', which translates to 'mercy' or 'charity', usually implying a moral or religious duty to help those in need.
Medelijden vs. Medeleven
Medelijden is often 'feeling sorry for'. Medeleven is 'feeling with'. Use medeleven when you want to show solidarity.
Compassie
This word is frequently used in professional healthcare and psychological settings to describe a non-judgmental awareness of suffering coupled with the desire to alleviate it.

In plaats van medelijden, toonde zij een diepe compassie voor haar patiënten.

Barmhartigheid
This is an older, more formal word. It is the quality of being 'warm-hearted' towards the miserable. You see it in the names of hospitals or charities (e.g., 'De Barmhartige Samaritaan').

De koning toonde barmhartigheid en verleende de gevangene gratie.

Other alternatives include 'sympathie' and 'empathie'. 'Sympathie' in Dutch often means 'liking someone' or 'agreeing with someone', though it can mean sympathy in certain contexts. 'Empathie' is the modern psychological term for the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. When you feel 'medelijden', you are experiencing a specific result of 'empathie'. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the emotional landscape of the Dutch language with precision and sensitivity.

Zijn meewarige glimlach irriteerde haar meer dan zijn openlijke kritiek.

Deelneming
Used almost exclusively in the context of death. 'Gecondoleerd met uw verlies, mijn oprechte deelneming.'

Wij danken u voor uw blijken van deelneming.

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수준별 예문

1

Ik heb medelijden met de arme man.

I have pity with the poor man.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object structure with 'met'.

2

Heb jij medelijden met hem?

Do you have pity with him?

Inversion for a question.

3

Zij heeft medelijden met de zieke vogel.

She has pity with the sick bird.

Third person singular 'heeft'.

4

Wij hebben medelijden met de kinderen.

We have pity with the children.

Plural 'hebben'.

5

Het kind heeft medelijden met de pop.

The child has pity with the doll.

Noun 'kind' as subject.

6

Ik voel medelijden.

I feel pity.

Using 'voelen' instead of 'hebben'.

7

Hij heeft geen medelijden.

He has no pity.

Negation with 'geen'.

8

Medelijden is een goed gevoel.

Pity is a good feeling.

'Medelijden' as the subject.

1

De leraar had medelijden met de leerling die zijn boek was vergeten.

The teacher had pity with the student who had forgotten his book.

Past tense 'had' and a relative clause.

2

Uit medelijden gaf ze de zwerver haar lunch.

Out of pity she gave the beggar her lunch.

Fixed phrase 'Uit medelijden' at the start.

3

Ik heb een beetje medelijden met die oude hond.

I have a little pity with that old dog.

Adding 'een beetje' as a quantifier.

4

Waarom heb je zoveel medelijden met haar?

Why do you have so much pity with her?

Using 'zoveel' for emphasis.

5

Hij heeft altijd medelijden met zichzelf als het regent.

He always has pity with himself when it rains.

Reflexive 'met zichzelf' (self-pity).

6

Het is belangrijk om medelijden te hebben met anderen.

It is important to have pity with others.

Infinitive construction 'te hebben'.

7

Zij toonde medelijden door hem te helpen.

She showed pity by helping him.

Using the verb 'tonen' (to show).

8

Heeft zij medelijden met de mensen in de file?

Does she have pity with the people in the traffic jam?

Question form with plural object.

1

Ik kan geen medelijden hebben met mensen die liegen.

I cannot have pity with people who lie.

Using the modal verb 'kunnen'.

2

Het medelijden dat hij voelde, was oprecht.

The pity that he felt was sincere.

Relative clause 'dat hij voelde'.

3

Zij wekte medelijden bij het publiek met haar verhaal.

She aroused pity among the audience with her story.

Phrase 'medelijden wekken bij'.

4

Soms is medelijden niet genoeg; we moeten ook actie ondernemen.

Sometimes pity is not enough; we must also take action.

Compound sentence with 'niet genoeg'.

5

Hij keek met medelijden naar de kapotte auto.

He looked with pity at the broken car.

Prepositional phrase 'met medelijden'.

6

Is het medelijden of is het gewoon beleefdheid?

Is it pity or is it just politeness?

Comparison between two nouns.

7

Ik heb medelijden met iedereen die vandaag buiten moet werken.

I have pity with everyone who has to work outside today.

Complex object 'iedereen die...'.

8

Haar ogen stonden vol medelijden toen ze me aankeek.

Her eyes were full of pity when she looked at me.

Idiomatic expression 'ogen staan vol'.

1

Je moet je niet laten leiden door medelijden bij het nemen van dit besluit.

You should not let yourself be led by pity when taking this decision.

Passive construction 'laten leiden door'.

2

Het was een medelijdenwekkende vertoning van de verliezende partij.

It was a pitiful display by the losing party.

Using the adjective 'medelijdenwekkende'.

3

Hij probeerde medelijden te veinzen, maar iedereen zag dat hij loog.

He tried to feign pity, but everyone saw he was lying.

Using the verb 'veinzen' (to feign).

4

Medelijden is een slechte raadgever in de politiek.

Pity is a poor counselor in politics.

Proverbial expression.

5

Ondanks zijn medelijden met de dader, eiste de officier een zware straf.

Despite his pity for the perpetrator, the prosecutor demanded a heavy sentence.

Use of 'ondanks' (despite).

6

Ze weigerde medelijden te accepteren van haar rivalen.

She refused to accept pity from her rivals.

Infinitive with 'te'.

7

Het onderscheid tussen medelijden en empathie is cruciaal in de psychologie.

The distinction between pity and empathy is crucial in psychology.

Abstract noun usage.

8

Ik heb diep medelijden met de nabestaanden van het ongeluk.

I have deep pity with the survivors of the accident.

Adjective 'diep' for intensification.

1

Haar medelijden grensde aan minachting, wat de sfeer nog grimmiger maakte.

Her pity bordered on contempt, which made the atmosphere even grimmer.

Using 'grenzen aan' (to border on).

2

De filosoof betoogde dat medelijden de basis vormt van onze morele intuïtie.

The philosopher argued that pity forms the basis of our moral intuition.

Academic reporting verb 'betogen'.

3

Er spreekt een groot medelijden uit zijn vroege gedichten.

A great pity speaks from his early poems.

Abstract construction 'er spreekt ... uit'.

4

Zonder een greintje medelijden zette de bank de familie uit huis.

Without a shred of pity, the bank evicted the family.

Expression 'zonder een greintje' (without a shred).

5

Het is een paradox dat medelijden zowel kan verbinden als distantiëren.

It is a paradox that pity can both connect and distance.

Complex logical structure.

6

De medelijdenscultuur in de media kan leiden tot een verzadiging van empathie.

The pity culture in the media can lead to a saturation of empathy.

Compound noun 'medelijdenscultuur'.

7

Hij werd gedreven door een mengeling van schuldgevoel en medelijden.

He was driven by a mixture of guilt and pity.

Passive voice with 'gedreven door'.

8

Men moet waken voor medelijden dat de ander zijn waardigheid ontneemt.

One must guard against pity that strips the other of their dignity.

Using 'waken voor' (to guard against).

1

In de luwte van zijn medelijden verschool zich een diepgewortelde arrogantie.

In the shadow of his pity hid a deep-seated arrogance.

Metaphorical and literary usage.

2

De auteur fileert het burgerlijke medelijden als een vorm van zelfgenoegzaamheid.

The author dissects middle-class pity as a form of complacency.

Metaphorical verb 'fileren' (to dissect/fillet).

3

Het medelijden van de massa is vaak even vluchtig als intens.

The pity of the masses is often as fleeting as it is intense.

Comparison 'even ... als'.

4

Niets is zo destructief voor ee

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