In 15 Seconds
- Showing genuine regret for a serious mistake or wrongdoing.
- Common in legal, professional, and deep personal contexts.
- More intense and formal than a simple 'I am sorry'.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of demonstrating that you are genuinely sorry for something you did wrong. It is about showing visible regret and taking emotional responsibility for your actions.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a courtroom setting
Der Angeklagte zeigte vor dem Richter keine Reue.
The defendant showed no remorse before the judge.
After a big argument with a partner
Nach unserem Streit hat er endlich aufrichtige Reue gezeigt.
After our argument, he finally showed sincere remorse.
A corporate apology after a scandal
Die Firma muss für den Umweltschaden Reue zeigen.
The company must show remorse for the environmental damage.
Cultural Background
The 'Kniefall von Warschau' by Willy Brandt is the ultimate historical example of 'Reue zeigen'. It showed that a gesture can be more powerful than words. In German criminal law, 'Reue' is a statutory mitigating factor. If a defendant shows credible remorse, the judge is often legally allowed to reduce the sentence. The concept is heavily influenced by the Christian tradition of confession and penance (Beichte und Buße). In modern Germany, 'Krisenmanagement' (crisis management) for celebrities often involves a carefully staged 'Reue zeigen' to avoid 'Cancel Culture'.
Use with Adjectives
Always pair it with 'aufrichtig' (sincere) or 'glaubhaft' (credible) to sound like a native speaker in formal writing.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful using this with friends for small things; it can sound like you are mocking them for being too sensitive.
In 15 Seconds
- Showing genuine regret for a serious mistake or wrongdoing.
- Common in legal, professional, and deep personal contexts.
- More intense and formal than a simple 'I am sorry'.
What It Means
Imagine you forgot your best friend's wedding. You feel a sharp sting of guilt in your chest. That heavy, sinking feeling is what Germans call Reue. When you let people see that guilt, you are Reue zeigen. It is much deeper than a casual apology. It shows you truly regret your actions. You are not just saying words. You are showing a change of heart.
How To Use It
You use the verb zeigen just like the English word 'to show.' It is a standard noun-verb combination. The noun Reue always takes a capital letter. You can add adjectives to make it stronger. Use aufrichtige Reue for 'sincere remorse.' Or use tiefe Reue for 'deep remorse.' In a sentence, it usually follows the person doing the action. For example, 'Er zeigt Reue' means 'He shows remorse.' It is simple but carries a lot of weight.
When To Use It
Use this phrase for serious life moments. It fits perfectly in a courtroom drama. Judges always look to see if a defendant shows remorse. It also works in deep personal relationships. If you hurt someone you love, you must Reue zeigen. Use it in professional settings after a major mistake. It signals that you have reflected on your behavior. It tells others you want to make things right.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for tiny mistakes. Did you spill a little coffee? Do not say you are showing Reue. That would be very dramatic and weird. People might think you are joking or being sarcastic. Avoid it for minor social slip-ups. If you are late for a bus, just say Sorry. Using Reue zeigen there is like wearing a tuxedo to a gym. It is far too formal and heavy for small things.
Cultural Background
Germans value directness and taking personal responsibility. There is a strong cultural concept called Wiedergutmachung. This means 'making things good again.' Showing Reue is the essential first step in that process. In German law, showing remorse can actually lead to a shorter sentence. It is seen as a sign of character. It shows that the person is capable of self-reflection. It is a very respected trait in German society.
Common Variations
You will often hear the negative version: keine Reue zeigen. This means 'to show no remorse.' You see this in news reports about cold-hearted criminals. Another variation is Reue empfinden. This means 'to feel remorse' internally. If you want to sound very poetic, you can say von Reue zerfressen sein. This means to be 'eaten away by remorse.' That is for the truly tragic moments in life.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the neutral to formal register. Avoid using it for trivial matters to prevent sounding overly dramatic or insincere.
Use with Adjectives
Always pair it with 'aufrichtig' (sincere) or 'glaubhaft' (credible) to sound like a native speaker in formal writing.
Avoid Sarcasm
Be careful using this with friends for small things; it can sound like you are mocking them for being too sensitive.
The 'Kniefall' Effect
Remember that in Germany, a silent gesture of remorse is often respected more than a long speech.
Examples
6Der Angeklagte zeigte vor dem Richter keine Reue.
The defendant showed no remorse before the judge.
This is a very common legal context for the phrase.
Nach unserem Streit hat er endlich aufrichtige Reue gezeigt.
After our argument, he finally showed sincere remorse.
Used here to show emotional growth and apology.
Die Firma muss für den Umweltschaden Reue zeigen.
The company must show remorse for the environmental damage.
Used for public accountability and reputation management.
Ich zeige wirklich Reue, dass ich deine Party verpasst habe!
I really show remorse for missing your party!
Slightly dramatic but used to show how bad you feel.
Mein Hund zeigt absolut keine Reue, nachdem er die Wurst gestohlen hat.
My dog shows absolutely no remorse after stealing the sausage.
A playful, humorous way to use a serious phrase.
Es ist wichtig, für vergangene Fehler Reue zu zeigen.
It is important to show remorse for past mistakes.
Refers to collective or historical responsibility.
Test Yourself
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'Reue zeigen'.
Der Dieb wurde freigelassen, weil er vor Gericht aufrichtige ______ ______.
The sentence is in the past tense (wurde freigelassen), so 'zeigte' is required.
In welcher Situation ist 'Reue zeigen' angemessen?
Wann benutzt man diesen Ausdruck?
'Reue zeigen' is for serious moral or legal transgressions.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Glaubst du, er meint es ernst? B: Ich weiß nicht. Er sagt zwar 'Sorry', aber er ______ ______ ______ ______.
The standard collocation is 'Reue zeigen'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Apology vs. Remorse
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDer Dieb wurde freigelassen, weil er vor Gericht aufrichtige ______ ______.
The sentence is in the past tense (wurde freigelassen), so 'zeigte' is required.
Wann benutzt man diesen Ausdruck?
'Reue zeigen' is for serious moral or legal transgressions.
A: Glaubst du, er meint es ernst? B: Ich weiß nicht. Er sagt zwar 'Sorry', aber er ______ ______ ______ ______.
The standard collocation is 'Reue zeigen'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, it's used in any situation involving a serious moral mistake, including relationships and business.
Yes, adding the possessive pronoun is grammatically correct and common.
You could say 'keinerlei Reue zeigen' or 'reuelos sein'.
Related Phrases
Buße tun
similarTo do penance
Sich entschuldigen
similarTo apologize
Etwas bereuen
builds onTo regret something
Abbitte leisten
specialized formTo offer a formal apology
