When you encounter the German verb "betrüben," think of it as meaning "to sadden" or "to grieve." It's often used when something causes a person to feel sorrow or distress. For example, a piece of bad news might "betrüben" someone. While it can be used for significant grief, it's also applicable to more general feelings of sadness. It's a useful word to describe emotional impact.
When we talk about deep emotional sorrow or grief, the verb "betrüben" is a very precise choice in German. It goes beyond just being sad; it implies a more profound and often prolonged state of distress. You'll often hear it in contexts where something truly unfortunate has happened, like the loss of a loved one or a significant disappointment. While you might use "traurig sein" for general sadness, "betrüben" conveys a much stronger sense of sorrow that affects one deeply.
It's important to remember that "betrüben" can also be used reflexively, as in "sich betrüben über etwas," meaning to grieve or be distressed about something. This highlights the internal and often personal nature of the feeling. The noun form, "die Betrübnis," directly translates to sorrow, grief, or affliction, further emphasizing its weight and seriousness.
Consider the difference between saying "Ich bin traurig" (I am sad) and "Es betrübt mich" (It grieves me). The latter indicates a more significant impact on your emotional state. It's a word that adds a layer of depth and intensity to the expression of sadness, making it a valuable addition to your C2 vocabulary for conveying nuanced emotions.
§ Don't confuse it with "traurig sein"
While both betrüben and traurig sein relate to sadness, they aren't always interchangeable. Traurig sein simply means 'to be sad.' It describes a state. Betrüben, on the other hand, means 'to sadden' or 'to grieve,' implying an action or something causing sadness. It's often used with an object – something or someone is being saddened.
Es betrübt mich, dass du gehen musst. (It saddens me that you have to leave.)
Ich bin traurig. (I am sad.)
§ Using "betrübt" as an adjective
The past participle betrübt can be used as an adjective, meaning 'saddened' or 'grieved.' This is correct and common. Just make sure you understand the nuance.
Er war sehr betrübt über die Nachricht. (He was very saddened by the news.)
§ Incorrect prepositions
When expressing what someone is saddened about, the correct preposition is usually über (accusative). Using other prepositions like von or wegen can sound awkward or incorrect.
Ihre Entscheidung betrübte ihn über alle Maßen. (Her decision grieved him beyond measure.)
§ Overuse or formal context
Betrüben is a somewhat more formal word than simply saying traurig sein. While not overly archaic, it's good to be aware of the context. In very casual conversation, you might hear traurig machen ('to make sad') more often.
- Formal
- Das Ergebnis betrübte die ganze Familie. (The result grieved the entire family.)
- Casual
- Das Ergebnis hat die ganze Familie traurig gemacht. (The result made the entire family sad.)
Understanding these distinctions will help you use betrüben more accurately and naturally in your German conversations and writing. Pay attention to how native speakers use it, and practice incorporating it into your own sentences.
Pronunciation Guide
- short 'ü' instead of long 'ü'
- 'b' instead of 'p' at the end of the first syllable
Difficulty Rating
Common verb, straightforward meaning.
Regular verb conjugation.
Pronunciation is phonetic.
Clear sound, easy to distinguish.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
Der Regen betrübt mich.
The rain saddens me.
Es betrübt mich, dass du gehst.
It saddens me that you are leaving.
Ihre Worte betrübten ihn sehr.
Her words grieved him a lot.
Es betrübt mich, dich so zu sehen.
It saddens me to see you like this.
Die schlechten Nachrichten betrüben uns.
The bad news saddens us.
Warum betrübst du dich?
Why are you grieving?
Sein Abschied betrübte alle.
His farewell saddened everyone.
Lass dich nicht betrüben.
Don't let yourself be saddened.
Often Confused With
This means 'to be sad.' 'Betrüben' is the action of *making* someone sad, not the state of being sad.
This means 'to hurt' (physically or emotionally). While sadness can be a form of emotional pain, 'weh tun' is broader and can refer to physical pain as well.
This means 'to depress.' While related to sadness, 'deprimieren' implies a more serious and possibly long-term state of depression, whereas 'betrüben' can refer to more fleeting or situational sadness.
Easily Confused
Both 'betrüben' and 'traurig machen' mean to make someone sad. However, 'betrüben' is more formal and often implies a deeper, more profound sadness or grief. 'Traurig machen' is more common in everyday conversation.
'Betrüben' suggests a more significant or lasting sadness, while 'traurig machen' is a general term for causing sadness.
Der Abschied betrübt mich sehr. (The farewell saddens me greatly.) / Die schlechten Nachrichten haben mich traurig gemacht. (The bad news made me sad.)
'Betrüben' and 'bekümmern' both relate to causing distress or sorrow. 'Bekümmern' often implies worry or concern that leads to sadness, while 'betrüben' focuses more directly on the emotional state of being sad or grieved.
'Bekümmern' has a nuance of worry or concern, whereas 'betrüben' is more about the feeling of sadness itself.
Es betrübt mich, dich so traurig zu sehen. (It grieves me to see you so sad.) / Es bekümmert mich, dass du so viele Sorgen hast. (It worries me that you have so many concerns.)
While 'enttäuschen' (to disappoint) can lead to sadness, it's not the same as 'betrüben'. Disappointment is a specific feeling that can result in sadness, but 'betrüben' is the broader term for causing sadness or grief.
'Enttäuschen' describes the act of failing to meet expectations, which often leads to sadness. 'Betrüben' describes the state of causing sadness or grief directly.
Seine Reaktion hat mich enttäuscht. (His reaction disappointed me.) / Es betrübt mich, dass die Reise abgesagt wurde. (It saddens me that the trip was canceled.)
'Grämen' is a reflexive verb (sich grämen) meaning to grieve or worry oneself, often over something. While related to sadness, 'betrüben' is transitive (to sadden someone), and 'sich grämen' is about one's own internal grief.
'Betrüben' is external – you sadden someone else. 'Sich grämen' is internal – you grieve yourself.
Es betrübt ihn, seine Familie nicht sehen zu können. (It saddens him not to be able to see his family.) / Sie grämte sich sehr über den Verlust. (She grieved deeply over the loss.)
'Kränken' means to hurt someone's feelings or offend them. While being offended can cause sadness, 'kränken' specifically targets the feeling of being hurt emotionally due to an insult or unkind action, whereas 'betrüben' is a more general term for causing sadness or grief.
'Kränken' focuses on emotional hurt or offense; 'betrüben' is about general sadness or grief.
Seine Worte haben mich gekränkt. (His words hurt my feelings.) / Es betrübt mich, dass unsere Freundschaft zerbrochen ist. (It saddens me that our friendship broke apart.)
Tips
Basic Meaning of Betrüben
At its core, 'betrüben' means to sadden or to grieve. Think of it as causing sadness or sorrow in someone.
Using Betrüben with Objects
'Betrüben' often takes a direct object. For example: 'Das hat mich betrübt.' (That saddened me.)
Betrüben in the Context of News
You'll frequently hear 'betrüben' when discussing news or events. 'Die Nachricht hat uns alle sehr betrübt.' (The news saddened us all very much.)
Passive Voice with Betrüben
It can also be used in the passive voice: 'Er war tief betrübt.' (He was deeply grieved/saddened.)
Formal vs. Informal
'Betrüben' is a more formal word for expressing sadness compared to 'traurig machen' (to make sad).
Related Noun: Betrübnis
The related noun is 'die Betrübnis' (sadness, sorrow). 'Er empfand große Betrübnis.' (He felt great sorrow.)
Avoid Direct Translation of 'Upset'
While 'betrüben' can sometimes be translated as 'upset,' be careful. 'Upset' can have other meanings like anger, so stick to sadden or grieve for precision.
Common Collocations
Look for common phrases: 'jemanden betrüben' (to sadden someone), 'tief betrübt sein' (to be deeply grieved).
Practice with Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'betrüben' to solidify your understanding. For example: 'Sein Abschied hat mich sehr betrübt.' (His departure saddened me greatly.)
Listen for Context
When you hear 'betrüben' in German, pay attention to the surrounding words to fully grasp the nuance of the sadness or grief being expressed.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine 'be TRULY been' sad. When you have truly been sad, you 'betrüben' (sadden or grieve).
Visual Association
Picture a dark, rainy cloud over someone's head, symbolizing sadness. The cloud is 'betrübend' them.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences using 'betrüben' in different contexts. For example, use it to describe personal feelings, news, or a situation. Try to use different subjects for the verb.
Test Yourself 72 questions
Sein Abschied wird mich sehr ___.
The context implies a negative feeling about his departure, so 'betrüben' (to sadden) fits best. 'Erfreuen' means to delight, 'überraschen' means to surprise, and 'ärgern' means to annoy.
Es ___ mich, dass du gehen musst.
The sentence expresses sadness about someone having to leave, so 'betrübt' (saddens) is the correct verb. 'Freut' means delights, 'ärgert' means annoys, and 'hilft' means helps.
Ihre schlechten Noten ___ die Eltern.
Bad grades would typically make parents sad, so 'betrüben' (sadden) is the appropriate word. 'Glücklich machen' means to make happy, 'amüsieren' means to amuse, and 'interessieren' means to interest.
Der Regen am Wochenende ___ mich.
If the rain prevents outdoor activities, it would likely 'betrüben' (sadden) someone. 'Erfreut' means delights, 'motiviert' means motivates, and 'belebt' means enlivens.
Es ___ uns, dass das Konzert abgesagt wurde.
A cancelled concert would generally make people sad, so 'betrübt' (saddens) is the correct choice. 'Freut' means delights, 'hilft' means helps, and 'überrascht' means surprises.
Seine traurige Geschichte hat mich sehr ___.
A sad story would naturally 'betrüben' (sadden) someone. 'Erheitert' means cheered up, 'gelangweilt' means bored, and 'informiert' means informed.
The news will make her sad.
It makes me sad to hear that.
What is making you sad?
Read this aloud:
Ich will dich nicht betrüben.
Focus: be-trü-ben
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Das Wetter betrübt mich.
Focus: be-trübt
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Sagt mir nicht, dass ich sie betrübe.
Focus: be-trü-be
You said:
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The correct order is 'Die Nachricht betrübt mich sehr.' (The news saddens me very much.)
The correct order is 'Das betrübt ihn immer noch.' (That still grieves him.)
The correct order is 'Der Abschied betrübt sie sehr.' (The farewell saddens her very much.)
Sein Abschied wird uns alle sehr ______.
The context 'Sein Abschied' (His departure) suggests a negative emotion, making 'betrüben' (to sadden) the correct fit.
Es ______ mich, dass du so traurig bist.
The sentence 'dass du so traurig bist' (that you are so sad) indicates that the speaker feels sad too, so 'betrübt' (saddens) is appropriate.
Die schlechten Nachrichten ______ die ganze Familie.
'Die schlechten Nachrichten' (The bad news) logically leads to 'betrübten' (saddened) the family.
Was ihn am meisten ______ hat, war die Ungerechtigkeit.
The word 'Ungerechtigkeit' (injustice) is something that would typically 'betrüben' (sadden) someone.
Lass dich nicht von kleinen Rückschlägen ______.
'Lass dich nicht... betrüben' means 'Don't let yourself be saddened', which fits the context of 'kleinen Rückschlägen' (small setbacks).
Es würde mich sehr ______, wenn du nicht kommen könntest.
The phrase 'wenn du nicht kommen könntest' (if you couldn't come) implies a negative consequence for the speaker, making 'betrüben' (sadden) suitable.
This sentence correctly orders the words to form 'The news has saddened him.'
This sentence correctly orders the words to form 'It grieves me that she is sick.'
This sentence correctly orders the words to form 'His words have deeply saddened her.'
Welches Wort ist ein Synonym für "betrüben"?
To sadden (traurig machen) is the closest synonym to betrüben.
Was könnte jemanden "betrüben"?
Losing a friend (Einen Freund verlieren) would typically make someone sad.
Wähle den Satz, der "betrüben" richtig verwendet:
Bad moods can sadden people. The other options are illogical.
Wenn etwas dich "betrübt", macht es dich glücklich.
To betrüben means to make sad, not happy.
Das Wort "betrüben" wird verwendet, um auszudrücken, dass jemand traurig ist.
Betrüben directly relates to making someone sad.
Man kann sich über gute Nachrichten "betrüben".
Good news typically makes one happy, not sad.
Sein unerwarteter Weggang wird uns alle sehr ___.
The context implies a negative emotional impact from someone's departure, making 'betrüben' (to sadden/grieve) the appropriate choice.
Die Nachricht vom Verlust ihres Haustieres ___ sie zutiefst.
The loss of a pet typically causes sadness, so 'betrübte' (saddened/grieved) fits the meaning.
Es ___ mich, dass ich bei diesem wichtigen Ereignis nicht anwesend sein kann.
Missing an important event would generally cause disappointment or sadness, hence 'betrübt' (saddens/grieves) is correct.
Ihr Schweigen nach der Diskussion ___ ihn mehr als ihre Wut.
Silence can sometimes be more impactful than anger, causing sadness or distress, which 'betrübte' (saddened/grieved) conveys.
Die anhaltende Ungerechtigkeit in der Welt ___ viele Menschen.
Ongoing injustice typically causes sadness or distress among people, making 'betrübt' (saddens/grieves) the correct choice.
Es ___ mich, feststellen zu müssen, dass sich die Situation verschlechtert hat.
Discovering a worsening situation usually brings sadness or disappointment, so 'betrübt' (saddens/grieves) is appropriate.
What would deeply sadden her?
What saddens the speaker?
What should one not let oneself be saddened by?
Read this aloud:
Es betrübt mich sehr, dass ich Ihre Erwartungen nicht erfüllen konnte.
Focus: betrübt, Erwartungen
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Was betrübt dich am meisten an der aktuellen Situation?
Focus: betrübt, meisten, Situation
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Sein Scheitern betrübte die ganze Familie.
Focus: Scheitern, betrübte, Familie
You said:
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This sentence structure places the subject 'Die Nachricht' (The news) first, followed by the conjugated verb 'wird' (will), the accusative pronoun 'ihn' (him), the intensifier 'tief' (deeply), and finally the infinitive verb 'betrüben' (to sadden).
The impersonal 'Es betrübt mich' (It saddens me) is a common construction. The subordinating conjunction 'dass' (that) introduces the subordinate clause 'du gehen musst' (you have to go).
Here, 'Ihre Abwesenheit' (Her absence) is the subject, and 'betrübte' (saddened) is the verb in the simple past. 'die ganze Familie' (the whole family) is the direct object.
Sein unerwarteter Weggang wird uns alle sehr ___.
The context implies a negative emotional impact from someone's departure, making 'betrüben' (to sadden/grieve) the correct fit.
Die Nachricht vom Verlust seiner Heimat hat ihn tief ___.
Losing one's home is a cause for sadness, so 'betrübt' (saddened/grieved) is the appropriate past participle here.
Es ___ mich zu sehen, wie die Umwelt zerstört wird.
The destruction of the environment is a negative event, thus 'betrübt' (saddens) correctly expresses the emotional response.
Ihre ständigen Sorgen ___ die ganze Familie.
Constant worries typically have a negative impact on a family, making 'betrüben' (sadden/grieve) the suitable verb.
Der Abschied von seinen Freunden ___ ihn sehr.
Saying goodbye to friends is often a sad occasion, so 'betrübte' (saddened) accurately describes his feeling.
Lass dich von den Rückschlägen nicht ___.
This is a common idiom encouraging resilience; 'betrüben' (sadden/grieve) fits the meaning of not letting setbacks get to you.
The news of the misfortune deeply saddened him.
Her indifference infinitely grieved his soul.
The prospect of a separation saddened her even in advance.
Read this aloud:
Betrübst du dich oft über Kleinigkeiten, oder nimmst du das Leben eher gelassen?
Focus: Be-trüb-st du dich
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Wie würdest du reagieren, wenn eine unerwartete Nachricht dich zutiefst betrüben würde?
Focus: zu-tiefst be-trü-ben
You said:
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Read this aloud:
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der dich etwas in der Vergangenheit sehr betrübt hat.
Focus: be-schreib-e, Be-trübt
You said:
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This sentence structure (subject-verb-object-infinitive clause) is common in German. 'Zutiefst' acts as an intensifier for 'betrüben'.
'Es betrübt mich zu hören...' is a common way to express sadness about something you've heard. The 'dass' clause explains what is saddening.
This imperative sentence uses 'lassen' with a reflexive pronoun 'dich' to tell someone not to let something sadden them. The 'sondern' introduces a contrast.
/ 72 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning of Betrüben
At its core, 'betrüben' means to sadden or to grieve. Think of it as causing sadness or sorrow in someone.
Using Betrüben with Objects
'Betrüben' often takes a direct object. For example: 'Das hat mich betrübt.' (That saddened me.)
Betrüben in the Context of News
You'll frequently hear 'betrüben' when discussing news or events. 'Die Nachricht hat uns alle sehr betrübt.' (The news saddened us all very much.)
Passive Voice with Betrüben
It can also be used in the passive voice: 'Er war tief betrübt.' (He was deeply grieved/saddened.)
Related Content
More emotions words
abgeneigt
B1Having a strong dislike of or opposition to something; averse.
ablehnend
B1disapproving, rejecting
abneigen
B1To feel aversion or dislike towards someone or something.
Abneigung
B1aversion, dislike
Abscheu
B1A feeling of intense dislike or abhorrence.
abscheuen
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to abhor.
Ach!
A1Oh, ah, expressing surprise, pain, or realization.
ach
A2oh, ah; expressing various emotions like surprise, understanding, or regret.
akzeptierend
B1accepting
Albtraum
A2Nightmare; a frightening or unpleasant dream.
