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reumütig

B1 adjective #7,500 most common 11 min read

reumütig

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reumütig in 30 Seconds

Explanation reumütig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word reumütig yet, as it is quite advanced. However, it is helpful to understand the concept. In A1, when you make a mistake, you usually say 'Entschuldigung' (Excuse me) or 'Es tut mir leid' (I am sorry). These are the building blocks of regret. Think of reumütig as a very 'strong' version of 'Es tut mir leid'. If you see this word in a children's book or a simple story, just remember it means someone is very sorry and is acting very humble. For example, if a little boy breaks a window and goes to his neighbor to say sorry with his head down, he is being reumütig. You might see pictures of dogs looking 'sad' after doing something wrong; that is a reumütiger look. At this stage, focus on the basic ways to apologize, but keep this word in the back of your mind for when you want to sound more expressive later. You won't be expected to use it in your A1 exam, but recognizing the root 'Reue' (remorse) can help you later when you learn about emotions. German words often combine two parts, and here 'Reue' is the most important part. If you know 'Reue' means 'sorry', you are halfway there! Even at A1, you can start noticing how Germans value a sincere apology. Saying 'sorry' isn't just about the words, but about how you look and act, and that's exactly what reumütig describes. So, while you stick to 'Es tut mir leid', remember that there's a special word for when you are *really* sorry.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more adjectives to describe how people feel. While reumütig is still a bit high-level, you can begin to recognize it in simple texts or news snippets. At A2, you know words like 'traurig' (sad) or 'schlecht' (bad). Reumütig is more specific than just feeling 'bad'. It means feeling bad *because* of something you did. It's like 'schuldbewusst' (guilty). In your A2 studies, you might talk about family or past events. If you tell a story about a time you came home late and your parents were angry, you could say: 'Ich war sehr reumütig.' This shows you've moved beyond basic A1 vocabulary. You are now using words that describe a specific *type* of feeling. You can also start to see the pattern of adjectives ending in '-ig' like 'lustig' (funny) or 'sonnig' (sunny). The word reumütig follows this pattern. It’s also a good time to practice the 'ü' sound in the middle of the word. Remember, the word describes both the feeling and the behavior. If someone is reumütig, they are not being loud or arrogant; they are being quiet and respectful. This is a great word to add to your 'emotional toolkit' as you start to write longer sentences and describe people's reactions in your German homework. Even if you don't use it every day, knowing it will help you understand more complex stories and news reports that you might start looking at in A2.

Congratulations! B1 is the level where reumütig becomes a key part of your vocabulary. At this level, you are expected to describe emotions, experiences, and reactions in more detail. Instead of just saying someone was 'sorry', you can now say they were reumütig. This word is perfect for the B1 'Letter of Apology' task that often appears in exams. For example, if you have to write an email to a friend because you missed their birthday, you could write: 'Ich bin wirklich reumütig und hoffe, du kannst mir verzeihen.' This sounds much more sincere and advanced than a simple 'sorry'. You should also start noticing the difference between using it as an adjective ('ein reumütiger Blick') and an adverb ('Er sah mich reumütig an'). In B1, you also learn about the 'Prodigal Son' story in many cultural contexts, and reumütig is the perfect word to describe his return. It combines the idea of regret with the idea of returning to a better path. You will also hear this word in movies and TV shows when characters have a heart-to-heart conversation. It's a 'bridge' word—it bridges the gap between simple everyday German and the more formal, literary German you will encounter in higher levels. Start using it in your speaking practice when you talk about mistakes you've made or when you're summarizing a story. It will definitely impress your teachers and make your German sound much more natural and nuanced.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use reumütig with total confidence in both formal and informal contexts. You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'zerknirscht' or 'reuevoll' and know when to choose reumütig over them. At B2, you are often discussing more complex social issues, politics, or literature. In these discussions, reumütig is frequently used to describe the public's perception of a person in power who has failed. For example, 'Der Manager zeigte sich reumütig nach dem Skandal.' You should also be comfortable with the adjective declensions: 'Trotz seines reumütigen Auftretens wurde er verurteilt.' (Despite his remorseful appearance, he was convicted). At this level, you can also use the word ironically or metaphorically. You might say someone returned reumütig to their old habits or an old job. The word carries a certain 'weight' that you can use to add gravitas to your arguments. You should also understand that reumütig implies a certain social 'submission'—the person is no longer fighting or being defensive. This nuance is important for B2 level comprehension. When you read news articles, pay attention to which verbs are paired with reumütig. Often it's 'sich zeigen' (to show oneself) or 'einkehren' (to return/turn back). Mastering these collocations will make your B2 writing much more professional and native-like. You are no longer just communicating; you are performing with the language.

At the C1 level, your understanding of reumütig should include its historical and stylistic nuances. You should be able to distinguish it from 'bußfertig' or 'schuldbewusst' with ease. C1 learners often analyze literature or high-level journalistic texts where reumütig might be used to describe the 'Zeitgeist' or a collective social feeling of regret. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated sentence structures, such as participial phrases: 'Sich seiner Schuld endlich bewusst und zutiefst reumütig, bat er um eine zweite Chance.' At this level, you should also be aware of the word's resonance in German cultural history, particularly in the context of 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' (struggle to come to terms with the past), although other words like 'beschämt' (ashamed) are also common there. Reumütig suggests a personal, individual moral awakening. You can use it to critique a character's motivations in a book review or a film analysis. Does the character's reumütiges behavior seem genuine, or is it just a performance to gain sympathy? This kind of critical thinking with the word is what defines C1. You should also be able to recognize the word in older texts where the spelling might be slightly different or the context more religious. Your vocabulary is now a precision tool, and reumütig is one of the fine-tipped brushes you use to paint detailed emotional landscapes. You understand that the word isn't just about 'being sorry', but about a fundamental shift in the subject's 'Gemüt' (inner self).

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of reumütig and can use it with all its subtle connotations and rhetorical power. You understand the etymological connection between 'Reue' and the ancient concepts of penance, and how the suffix '-mütig' links it to a family of words describing character traits (like 'hochmütig', 'sanftmütig', 'großmütig'). You can play with the word's formality, perhaps using it in a highly formal legal brief or, conversely, using it with perfect ironic timing in a sophisticated social setting. A C2 speaker knows that reumütig can sometimes carry a slightly pathetic or 'beaten' connotation, which can be used to describe someone who has lost their fighting spirit. You can analyze the use of the word in classical German philosophy or theology, discussing how 'Reue' differs from 'Reumütigkeit' as a permanent state of character versus a fleeting emotion. Your usage is flawless, whether you're using it as an attributive adjective in a complex noun phrase or as a pithy adverb in a dramatic climax. You also recognize the word's potential for 'pathos'—using it to evoke strong feelings of sympathy or even pity in your audience. In academic writing, you might discuss the 'reumütige Rückkehr' of certain political ideologies or artistic styles. Essentially, at C2, the word is no longer a 'new' term to be learned but a familiar friend that you can deploy with surgical precision to achieve exactly the right emotional and intellectual effect in your communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reumütig in 30 Seconds

Reumütig means deeply regretful and humble after making a mistake or doing something wrong.
It is a B1 level word commonly used in literature, news, and formal apologies.
It functions as both an adjective ('ein reumütiger Blick') and an adverb ('er gestand reumütig').
It implies a visible change in attitude, often including a loss of pride or a desire for penance.

The German adjective reumütig is a profound and emotionally resonant term that describes a state of deep regret coupled with a humble willingness to make amends. Etymologically, it is a compound of Reue (remorse/repentance) and the suffix -mütig, which relates to Gemüt (disposition or state of mind). When someone is described as reumütig, they are not merely 'sorry' in a casual sense; they are exhibiting a visible shift in character following a mistake or transgression. It implies a certain level of vulnerability and the abandonment of pride. In German culture, where accountability and directness are valued, being reumütig is often seen as the first necessary step toward reconciliation in both personal and professional spheres. You will encounter this word frequently in literature, legal proceedings, and high-stakes personal apologies. It captures the essence of the 'prodigal son' archetype—the person who has strayed, realized their error, and returns with a heavy heart and a desire for forgiveness.

Emotional Depth: Unlike simple regret, being reumütig involves a change in posture and attitude, often described as 'humbled'.
Social Function: It serves as a linguistic bridge to restore trust after it has been broken by an action or decision.

Nachdem er die Vase zerbrochen hatte, blickte das Kind seine Mutter reumütig an.

In the context of the modern workplace, a manager might accept a late report more readily if the employee presents it in a reumütig manner, acknowledging the disruption caused. It is a word that carries weight; using it lightly can sometimes sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic if the situation is trivial. Therefore, save it for moments where genuine moral or social weight is present. It is also a favorite in journalism when describing public figures who are forced to apologize for scandals. A politician might give a reumütiges Geständnis (remorseful confession) to mitigate public anger.

Der Angeklagte zeigte sich vor Gericht reumütig, was sein Strafmaß reduzierte.

Theological Roots: Historically, the word is tied to the concept of penance and religious confession, where the sinner must show true heart-felt sorrow.

Sie kehrte reumütig zu ihrer alten Firma zurück, nachdem sie gemerkt hatte, dass das neue Angebot ein Fehler war.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it used to describe a pet that has done something wrong, like a dog looking reumütig after chewing a shoe. This anthropomorphism highlights the visual nature of the word—the lowered head, the avoiding eyes, the general air of 'I know I messed up.' Overall, reumütig is a high-utility B1-level word that adds emotional precision to your German vocabulary, allowing you to describe complex social interactions with a single, powerful adjective.

Using reumütig correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as both an adjective and an adverb. In its adverbial form, it often modifies verbs of movement or communication, such as zurückkehren (to return), gestehen (to confess), or blicken (to look). For example, 'Er gestand seine Fehler reumütig ein' (He remorsefully admitted his mistakes). Here, the word describes the *manner* in which the confession was made. When used as a predicative adjective with the verb sein (to be) or wirken (to seem), it describes the subject's state: 'Sie war sehr reumütig.' (She was very remorseful).

Attributive Usage: When placed before a noun, it takes the standard adjective endings. For example: 'Ein reumütiger Sünder' (A remorseful sinner) or 'Ihre reumütigen Worte' (Her remorseful words).

Der Schüler stand reumütig vor dem Lehrerzimmer.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the verb sich zeigen (to show oneself/to appear). In news reports or courtrooms, you will frequently hear: 'Der Täter zeigte sich reumütig.' This construction is specifically used to indicate that the person is projecting a remorseful image to an audience. Another important aspect is the combination with the preposition wegen (because of) + Genitive, though reumütig is more often used absolutely. You might say: 'Er war reumütig wegen seines Verhaltens.'

Sie gab reumütig zu, dass sie das Passwort vergessen hatte.

Collocations with Verbs: reumütig um Verzeihung bitten (to remorsefully ask for forgiveness), reumütig einkehren (to return home remorsefully), reumütig nicken (to nod remorsefully).

Ein reumütiger Blick sagt oft mehr als tausend Worte.

In more complex sentences, reumütig can be part of a participial construction: 'Vom schlechten Gewissen geplagt und reumütig, entschuldigte er sich bei allen Beteiligten.' This usage is common in written German (B2/C1 level) to provide background information on a person's motivation. It is also worth noting that the word can be used ironically among friends: 'Kommst du jetzt reumütig angekrochen?' (Are you coming crawling back remorsefully now?), though this is quite informal and carries a bite.

Nach dem Streit blickte er sie reumütig von der Seite an.

Comparative and Superlative: While rare, the forms 'reumütiger' and 'am reumütigsten' exist, but you will mostly see the base form as the emotion is usually treated as an absolute state.

Finally, remember that reumütig is an internal state that manifests externally. When writing, use it to show, not just tell, that a character feels bad about their actions. It is a powerful tool for building character depth in German narratives.

The word reumütig has a distinct 'flavor' that makes it more common in certain settings than others. One primary domain is the legal system and crime reporting. In German news broadcasts (like Tagesschau) or newspapers (like Süddeutsche Zeitung), you will frequently hear about defendants who show themselves reumütig during a trial. This is a crucial detail because, under the German penal code, genuine remorse can be a mitigating factor in sentencing. Therefore, the word is almost a technical term in the context of 'Geständnis' (confession).

News & Media: 'Der Skandal-Manager zeigte sich reumütig und versprach Aufklärung.' - This is a classic headline structure.

In den Abendnachrichten hieß es, der Minister sei reumütig zurückgetreten.

Another major area is classical and contemporary literature. From the works of Goethe and Schiller to modern novelists, reumütig is used to describe the psychological turning point of a character. It signals a moment of growth or a realization of past folly. In religious contexts, particularly in sermons or theological texts, the word is used to describe the ideal state of a believer seeking penance. Even if you are not religious, understanding this background helps you grasp the solemnity the word carries.

Nach drei Tagen Funkstille meldete er sich reumütig bei seiner Freundin.

Pop Culture: In German dubbed movies, when a character says 'I'm so sorry' with a lot of gravity, it is often translated as 'Ich bin so reumütig' or 'Ich zeige mich reumütig'.

In the educational system, teachers might use it when talking about a student's behavior: 'Er kam reumütig an, nachdem er den Unterricht gestört hatte.' This implies the student isn't just apologizing to avoid punishment, but actually feels bad. Finally, in the world of sports, when a player makes a major error or gets a red card, sports commentators might discuss whether the player looked reumütig while leaving the field.

Der Stürmer blickte reumütig zu seinem Trainer, nachdem er den Elfmeter verschossen hatte.

Business Context: Used in formal letters of apology or when a company has to admit a mistake to its customers.

In summary, reumütig is the word of choice for 'high-stakes' apologies where the person's character and future standing are on the line. It is ubiquitous in formal German media and literature.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with reumütig is confusing it with the word traurig (sad). While a reumütig person is often sad, the sadness is specifically directed at their own past actions. You cannot be reumütig about a rainy day or a lost football match (unless you were the one who caused the loss through a mistake). Another confusion arises between reumütig and reuevoll. While they are very close synonyms, reuevoll is more about the internal feeling of remorse, whereas reumütig describes the outward attitude or the 'mood' of remorse.

Confusion with 'entschuldigend': Learners often use 'entschuldigend' (apologetic) when 'reumütig' would be better. 'Entschuldigend' is often a brief, polite gesture, while 'reumütig' is a deeper state of being.

Falsch: Ich bin reumütig, dass es regnet. (Correct: Es tut mir leid / Ich finde es schade...)

Another common error involves the ending of the word. Since it ends in -ig, English speakers often want to pronounce it like the English '-ig' (with a hard 'g'). However, in standard German (Hochdeutsch), the -ig ending is pronounced like a soft ch (as in 'ich'). Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' is a common phonetic mistake that can make the word sound slightly regional or non-native.

Richtig: Er gab den Diebstahl reumütig zu. (Correct adverbial use without endings).

Overuse in Trivial Situations: Using 'reumütig' because you forgot to buy milk can sound melodramatic. Use 'tut mir leid' or 'entschuldige' for small things.

Some learners also struggle with the word reuelos (remorseless), which is the direct antonym. They might accidentally say reumütig when they mean the person showed no regret. Always remember: -mütig is positive/neutral (having the mood), -los is negative (lacking).

Der Hund saß reumütig neben den zerfetzten Hausschuhen.

Lastly, don't forget the umlaut! Writing reumutig (without the dots) changes the sound and is a spelling error. The 'ü' is essential to the identity of the word. In summary, avoid using it for trivialities, mind your pronunciation of the '-ig' ending, and ensure the context involves a genuine admission of guilt and a humble attitude.

German is a language rich in nuances for emotional states, and reumütig has several cousins that are worth knowing. The most common alternative is reuevoll. While almost identical, reuevoll emphasizes the fullness of the feeling (filled with remorse), whereas reumütig emphasizes the humble disposition. Another powerful synonym is zerknirscht. This word literally means 'crushed' or 'gritted', suggesting that the person is so regretful they feel mentally crushed by their guilt. Use zerknirscht when the person looks extremely embarrassed and downcast.

Zerknirscht vs. Reumütig: 'Zerknirscht' is more informal and visual; 'reumütig' is more formal and character-based.

Er blickte reumütig zu Boden, während sie ihn ausschimpfte.

For more formal or religious contexts, you might find bußfertig (penitent). This word specifically implies a readiness to perform 'Buße' (penance or atonement). It is less common in modern daily speech but appears in historical novels or religious texts. In a legal or professional context, schuldbewusst (conscious of guilt) is a frequent alternative. It is more clinical and focuses on the recognition of the fact that one has done something wrong, rather than the emotional state accompanying it.

Mit einem reumütigen Lächeln gab er zu, dass er sich geirrt hatte.

Lesser-known alternatives: 'Zerknautscht' (literally 'crumpled') can sometimes be used colloquially to describe someone who looks like they've had a rough time and feel bad, though it's much less formal than 'reumütig'.

If you want to describe someone who is *not* showing remorse, the word is verstockt (stubborn/unrepentant) or reuelos. A verstockter criminal is one who refuses to admit their guilt despite the evidence. Understanding these opposites helps define the boundaries of reumütig more clearly. It is the middle ground between a simple 'sorry' and a total emotional breakdown.

Trotz der Beweise zeigte er sich keineswegs reumütig.

Comparison Table: - Reumütig: Humble + Regretful. - Zerknirscht: Embarrassed + Crushed. - Schuldbewusst: Aware of guilt. - Bußfertig: Ready for penance.

By mastering these alternatives, you can tailor your German to the specific emotional intensity of the situation, moving beyond basic vocabulary to more sophisticated expression.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mütig' is a very productive part of the German language, creating words that describe a person's fundamental character or temporary emotional state (e.g., sanftmütig = gentle-spirited).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʁɔɪ̯ˌmyːtɪç/

US /ˈʁɔɪ̯ˌmyːtɪk/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'reu', with a secondary stress on the 'mü'.

Rhymes With

gutmütig großmütig sanftmütig hochmütig wehmütig langmütig freimütig kleinmütig

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'reu' like 'roo' (should be 'oy').
Pronouncing 'ü' like 'oo' (should be a rounded 'ee').
Pronouncing the final 'g' as a hard 'g' like in 'dog'.
Forgetting the umlaut and saying 'reumutig'.
Swapping the 'eu' for 'ue'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in literature and news, but the spelling with 'eu' and 'ü' can be tricky for beginners.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and correct adverbial placement.

Speaking 5/5

The '-ig' ending pronunciation (soft 'ch') is a common hurdle for learners.

Listening 4/5

Easily recognizable once you know the 'Reue' root.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

die Reue der Mut traurig entschuldigen der Fehler

Learn Next

zerknirscht bußfertig die Wiedergutmachung die Absolution verzeihen

Advanced

die Zerknirschung die Bußfertigkeit reuebeladen unverbesserlich die Reueklage

Grammar to Know

Adjective Endings after 'ein'

Ein reumütiger Mann (masculine nominative).

Adverbial Usage (No Endings)

Er blickte sie reumütig an. (No ending because it modifies the verb).

Substantivierte Adjektive

Der Reumütige (The remorseful person).

Genitive with 'wegen'

Wegen seines reumütigen Verhaltens.

Comparison of Adjectives

Er war reumütiger als sein Bruder.

Examples by Level

Er sagt 'Entschuldigung' und sieht sehr traurig aus.

He says 'Sorry' and looks very sad.

A1 level uses 'traurig' instead of 'reumütig'.

Der Hund ist lieb und guckt traurig.

The dog is nice and looks sad.

Simple adjective use.

Es tut mir leid, ich bin traurig.

I am sorry, I am sad.

Basic apology structure.

Sie sagt sorry und weint.

She says sorry and cries.

Using 'sorry' (Anglicism) or 'Entschuldigung'.

Mein Freund ist traurig wegen dem Fehler.

My friend is sad because of the mistake.

Using 'wegen' with dative (common in spoken A1).

Ich habe den Fehler gemacht, es tut mir leid.

I made the mistake, I am sorry.

Perfekt tense with apology.

Er kommt zurück und ist nicht mehr böse.

He comes back and is no longer angry.

Simple present tense.

Bist du traurig? Ja, sehr.

Are you sad? Yes, very.

Basic question and answer.

Er blickte seine Mutter nach dem Streit ganz lieb an.

He looked at his mother very sweetly after the argument.

A2 uses 'ganz lieb' to describe a remorseful look.

Ich fühle mich schlecht, weil ich gelogen habe.

I feel bad because I lied.

Subordinate clause with 'weil'.

Der Schüler war leise und sagte Entschuldigung.

The student was quiet and said sorry.

Präteritum of 'sein'.

Sie kam nach Hause und wollte alles erklären.

She came home and wanted to explain everything.

Modal verb 'wollen' in Präteritum.

Er zeigte, dass es ihm leid tut.

He showed that he was sorry.

Dass-clause.

Wir waren alle traurig über die Situation.

We were all sad about the situation.

Adjective with preposition 'über'.

Er hat sich bei ihr entschuldigt.

He apologized to her.

Reflexive verb 'sich entschuldigen'.

Sie sah ihn mit großen Augen an.

She looked at him with big eyes.

Prepositional phrase 'mit großen Augen'.

Er kehrte reumütig zu seiner Familie zurück.

He returned remorsefully to his family.

Adverbial use of 'reumütig'.

Sie gab reumütig zu, dass sie den Termin vergessen hatte.

She remorsefully admitted that she had forgotten the appointment.

Adverbial use with 'zugegeben'.

Nach dem Fehler blickte er seinen Chef reumütig an.

After the mistake, he looked at his boss remorsefully.

Adverbial use modifying 'anblicken'.

Ein reumütiger Brief kann vieles heilen.

A remorseful letter can heal many things.

Attributive adjective (nominative masculine).

Der Dieb brachte das Geld reumütig zur Polizei.

The thief remorsefully brought the money to the police.

Adverbial use.

Sie war sehr reumütig wegen ihres Verhaltens.

She was very remorseful because of her behavior.

Predicative adjective with 'wegen' + genitive.

Kannst du mir verzeihen? Ich bin wirklich reumütig.

Can you forgive me? I am truly remorseful.

Direct speech, predicative use.

Er zeigte sich reumütig und versprach Besserung.

He showed himself remorseful and promised improvement.

Reflexive construction 'sich zeigen'.

Trotz seines reumütigen Geständnisses wurde er bestraft.

Despite his remorseful confession, he was punished.

Genitive masculine adjective ending (-en).

Der Politiker entschuldigte sich reumütig vor der Presse.

The politician apologized remorsefully in front of the press.

Adverbial use in a formal context.

Nach Jahren der Trennung meldete er sich reumütig bei ihr.

After years of separation, he contacted her remorsefully.

Adverbial use with reflexive 'sich melden'.

Sie blickte auf ihre reumütigen Fehler der Jugend zurück.

She looked back on her remorseful mistakes of youth.

Attributive plural adjective.

Es ist schwer, reumütig zu sein, wenn man keinen Fehler sieht.

It is hard to be remorseful when one sees no mistake.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Sein reumütiges Verhalten wirkte auf alle sehr authentisch.

His remorseful behavior seemed very authentic to everyone.

Neuter nominative adjective ending.

Er hat reumütig eingesehen, dass er falsch lag.

He remorsefully realized that he was wrong.

Adverbial use with 'einsehen'.

Die Firma reagierte reumütig auf die Kundenbeschwerden.

The company reacted remorsefully to the customer complaints.

Adverbial use.

Vom schlechten Gewissen geplagt, kehrte er reumütig zum Tatort zurück.

Plagued by a guilty conscience, he returned remorsefully to the scene of the crime.

Participial phrase 'geplagt' + adverbial 'reumütig'.

Ihr reumütiges Flehen stieß bei ihm auf taube Ohren.

Her remorseful pleading fell on deaf ears with him.

Subject-verb-object with idiom 'auf taube Ohren stoßen'.

Man kaufte ihm seine reumütige Haltung nicht wirklich ab.

People didn't really buy his remorseful attitude.

Idiom 'jemandem etwas abkaufen' (to believe someone).

Er blickte reumütig auf die Trümmer seiner Existenz.

He looked remorsefully at the ruins of his existence.

Metaphorical use of 'Trümmer'.

Die reumütige Einsicht kam leider viel zu spät.

The remorseful insight unfortunately came much too late.

Attributive adjective with noun 'Einsicht'.

Er bat reumütig um eine letzte Gelegenheit zur Wiedergutmachung.

He remorsefully asked for one last opportunity for restitution.

Noun 'Wiedergutmachung' (reparations/making amends).

Sein reumütiges Schweigen war beredter als jede Entschuldigung.

His remorseful silence was more eloquent than any apology.

Comparative 'beredter' (more eloquent).

Sie gab reumütig den Vorsitz der Kommission ab.

She remorsefully resigned from the chair of the commission.

Separable verb 'abgeben'.

In einem Akt reumütiger Selbstreflexion revidierte er sein gesamtes Werk.

In an act of remorseful self-reflection, he revised his entire body of work.

Genitive feminine adjective ending (-er).

Das reumütige Subjekt der Moderne sucht oft vergebens nach Absolution.

The remorseful subject of modernity often seeks absolution in vain.

Philosophical/Academic register.

Seine reumütige Geste wurde als bloßes politisches Kalkül entlarvt.

His remorseful gesture was unmasked as mere political calculation.

Passive voice with 'entlarvt'.

Er blickte reumütig auf die Hybris seiner frühen Jahre zurück.

He looked back remorsefully on the hubris of his early years.

Use of the Greek loanword 'Hybris'.

Die reumütige Unterwerfung unter das Urteil war beispiellos.

The remorseful submission to the judgment was unprecedented.

Compound noun 'Unterwerfung'.

Trotz aller reumütigen Bekundungen blieb das Vertrauen zerstört.

Despite all remorseful declarations, the trust remained destroyed.

Plural dative adjective ending (-en).

Er trat reumütig den Rückzug aus dem öffentlichen Leben an.

He remorsefully began his withdrawal from public life.

Idiomatic 'den Rückzug antreten'.

Ein reumütiges Eingeständnis der eigenen Fehlbarkeit ist ein Zeichen von Größe.

A remorseful admission of one's own fallibility is a sign of greatness.

Abstract noun phrase.

Common Collocations

reumütig zurückkehren

sich reumütig zeigen

reumütig eingestehen

ein reumütiger Blick

reumütig um Verzeihung bitten

reumütiges Geständnis

reumütig nicken

reumütig schweigen

reumütig einkehren

reumütige Miene

Common Phrases

Wieder reumütig angekrochen kommen

— To come crawling back remorsefully (often used sarcastically or angrily).

Jetzt kommt er wieder reumütig angekrochen, weil er Geld braucht.

Ein reumütiges Gesicht machen

— To put on a remorseful face (sometimes implying it might not be genuine).

Mach nicht so ein reumütiges Gesicht, ich glaube dir nicht.

Reumütig Abbitte leisten

— To formally apologize and ask for forgiveness.

Er musste reumütig Abbitte leisten, bevor er wieder mitspielen durfte.

Reumütig in sich gehen

— To reflect deeply on one's actions with a sense of regret.

Nach der Kritik ging er reumütig in sich.

Reumütig den Hut nehmen

— To resign or leave a position with a sense of regret and humility.

Nach dem Skandal musste er reumütig den Hut nehmen.

Reumütig nachgeben

— To give in or yield because one feels bad about a previous conflict.

Sie gab reumütig nach, als sie merkte, dass sie im Unrecht war.

Reumütig die Schuld bekennen

— To confess one's guilt with a remorseful heart.

Er bekannte reumütig seine Schuld vor der ganzen Klasse.

Reumütig Abkehr halten

— To turn away from a previous bad path with regret.

Er hielt reumütig Abkehr von seinem kriminellen Leben.

Reumütig das Haupt beugen

— To bow one's head in remorse (literary).

Er beugte reumütig das Haupt vor seinem Vater.

Reumütig Besserung geloben

— To remorsefully vow to do better in the future.

Der Schüler gelobte reumütig Besserung.

Often Confused With

reumütig vs reumütig vs. reuevoll

Reuevoll is more about the internal feeling; reumütig is more about the humble attitude.

reumütig vs reumütig vs. traurig

Traurig is general sadness; reumütig is sadness caused specifically by one's own mistakes.

reumütig vs reumütig vs. kleinlaut

Kleinlaut is more about being quiet after being caught; reumütig is deeper moral regret.

Idioms & Expressions

"Wie ein reumütiger Sünder"

— To act extremely sorry, often in a way that is very visible or even slightly exaggerated.

Er stand da wie ein reumütiger Sünder.

neutral

"Reumütig zu Kreuze kriechen"

— To humble oneself completely and admit a mistake after being stubborn.

Am Ende musste er doch reumütig zu Kreuze kriechen.

informal

"Den Gang nach Canossa antreten"

— A historical idiom meaning a journey of deep humiliation and remorse (often used with reumütig).

Sein Gang zum Chef war ein reumütiger Gang nach Canossa.

formal/literary

"Asche auf sein Haupt streuen"

— To show deep regret (biblical origin), often described as a reumütige action.

Er streute sich reumütig Asche auf sein Haupt.

literary

"Sich in Sack und Asche hüllen"

— To show extreme, visible remorse.

Nach dem Fehler hüllte er sich reumütig in Sack und Asche.

literary

"Die Suppe reumütig auslöffeln"

— To accept the consequences of one's actions with a remorseful attitude.

Jetzt muss er die Suppe reumütig auslöffeln.

neutral

"Reumütig Abbitte tun"

— A very old-fashioned way of saying 'to apologize'.

Er tat reumütig Abbitte für seine frechen Worte.

formal

"Ein reumütiges Schaf sein"

— To be very submissive and sorry after a conflict.

Er war plötzlich wieder ein reumütiges Schaf.

informal

"Die Reue im Nacken haben"

— To be constantly bothered by a sense of guilt.

Er hatte die Reue im Nacken und kam reumütig zurück.

neutral

"Reumütig das Knie beugen"

— To submit or apologize very humbly (literary).

Er beugte reumütig das Knie vor der Königin.

literary

Easily Confused

reumütig vs hochmütig

Both end in '-mütig'.

Hochmütig means arrogant/proud (high-spirited in a bad way), while reumütig is humble/remorseful.

Er war erst hochmütig, aber dann wurde er reumütig.

reumütig vs großmütig

Both end in '-mütig'.

Großmütig means generous or magnanimous.

Der König war großmütig und verzieh dem reumütigen Dieb.

reumütig vs sanftmütig

Both end in '-mütig'.

Sanftmütig describes a naturally gentle or mild-tempered person.

Sie ist eine sanftmütige Person, die selten wütend wird.

reumütig vs mutig

Contains the root 'mut'.

Mutig means brave or courageous, which has nothing to do with remorse.

Es war mutig von ihm, den Fehler reumütig zuzugeben.

reumütig vs übermütig

Both end in '-mütig'.

Übermütig means cocky, high-spirited, or reckless.

Erst war er übermütig, doch nach dem Unfall war er reumütig.

Sentence Patterns

[Subjekt] + ist + [reumütig].

Ich bin reumütig.

[Subjekt] + blickt + [reumütig].

Er blickt reumütig zu Boden.

[Subjekt] + zeigt sich + [reumütig].

Der Täter zeigt sich reumütig.

[Subjekt] + gesteht + [etwas] + [reumütig] + ein.

Er gestand seinen Fehler reumütig ein.

Trotz + [Genitiv Nomen] + [reumütig] + [Verb]...

Trotz seines reumütigen Verhaltens wurde er entlassen.

[Partizip] + und + [reumütig], + [Hauptsatz].

Erschöpft und reumütig kehrte er heim.

In einem Akt + [Genitiv Adjektiv] + [Nomen]...

In einem Akt reumütiger Einsicht gab er auf.

Ein + [reumütig] + [Nomen] + ist + [Nomen].

Ein reumütiges Geständnis ist der erste Schritt zur Heilung.

Word Family

Nouns

die Reue

die Reumütigkeit

der Reumütige

Verbs

bereuen

Adjectives

reuevoll

reuelos

reumütig

das Gemüt

mütig

reuebeladen

der Reuekauf

die Reueklage

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written German, moderately common in serious spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Using 'reumutig' (no umlaut). → reumütig
The umlaut 'ü' is essential for the correct sound and spelling.
Using 'reumütig' for a rainy day. → Ich finde es schade, dass es regnet.
You can only be 'reumütig' about your own actions, not external circumstances.
Pronouncing '-ig' as '-ig' like in 'big'. → Pronounce it like 'ich'.
The 'g' in '-ig' is soft in standard German.
Confusing 'reumütig' with 'mutig' (brave). → Use 'reumütig' for regret, 'mutig' for bravery.
They share a root but have completely different meanings.
Using 'reumütig' as a noun without capitalizing. → Der Reumütige.
In German, all nouns (including nominalized adjectives) must be capitalized.

Tips

Adverb vs. Adjective

Remember that 'reumütig' doesn't change its ending when it's an adverb. Only add endings when it comes before a noun.

The Soft 'CH'

Practice the '-ig' ending by whispering the 'ich' sound. It makes you sound much more native than a hard 'k' sound.

Save it for Big Mistakes

Don't use 'reumütig' for small things like being five minutes late. Use it for broken trust or serious errors.

The '-mütig' Family

Learning words like 'sanftmütig' and 'hochmütig' alongside 'reumütig' helps you understand the 'mood/disposition' suffix.

Show, Don't Tell

In writing, instead of saying 'He was sorry', say 'He blickte reumütig zu Boden'. It creates a much stronger image.

Legal Nuance

If you read German crime news, 'reumütig' is a key word that suggests the criminal might get a shorter sentence.

News Keywords

In the 'Tagesschau', listen for 'reumütig' when politicians or companies are apologizing for scandals.

The Apology Letter

If you're taking a B1 or B2 exam, use 'reumütig' in your writing task to score higher on vocabulary range.

German Sincerity

Germans value a 'reumütig' attitude because it shows you are taking the social rules seriously.

Root Word 'Reue'

If you forget the word, just think of 'Reue' (remorse). Most words starting with 'reu-' are related to regret.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'ROY' (reu) who is 'MOODY' (mütig) because he's so sorry for what he did. Roy-Moody = Reumütig.

Visual Association

Imagine a dog sitting in the middle of a mess, looking up with huge eyes and its head tilted. That is the visual definition of 'reumütig'.

Word Web

Reue Mut Gemüt bereuen reuevoll reuelos sanftmütig hochmütig

Challenge

Try to use 'reumütig' in a sentence describing a character from a movie you recently watched who had to apologize.

Word Origin

The word is a compound dating back to Middle High German. 'Reue' comes from the Old High German 'hriuwa', meaning 'sorrow' or 'pain'. The suffix '-mütig' comes from 'Mut', which in older German didn't just mean 'courage' but 'mindset', 'spirit', or 'mood' (Gemüt).

Original meaning: Having a mind or spirit full of sorrow for past actions.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful using it sarcastically; it can come across as very mean because the word itself is quite serious.

The closest English equivalent is 'remorseful' or 'penitent', but 'reumütig' often feels more visual, describing the person's physical state of humility.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Der verlorene Sohn) in the German Bible. Goethe's 'Faust' contains themes of Reue and transformation. Heinrich Heine's poems often play with the concept of ironic remorse.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

After a fight with a partner

Ich bin wirklich reumütig.
Er kam reumütig an.
Sie blickte ihn reumütig an.
Ein reumütiges Gespräch führen.

In a courtroom

Ein reumütiges Geständnis ablegen.
Sich reumütig zeigen.
Die Tat reumütig bereuen.
Reumütiges Verhalten zeigen.

At work after a mistake

Reumütig den Fehler zugeben.
Reumütig um Entschuldigung bitten.
Eine reumütige E-Mail schreiben.
Sich reumütig beim Chef melden.

Describing pets

Der Hund guckt reumütig.
Eine reumütige Katze.
Reumütig unter dem Tisch sitzen.
Ein reumütiger Blick vom Haustier.

Literature/Stories

Der reumütige Held.
Reumütig in die Heimat zurückkehren.
Ein reumütiges Ende der Geschichte.
Reumütige Tränen vergießen.

Conversation Starters

"Warst du schon mal so richtig reumütig nach einem Streit?"

"Glaubst du, dass ein reumütiges Geständnis die Strafe mildern sollte?"

"Wie sieht für dich ein wirklich reumütiger Blick aus?"

"Wann ist es dir schwergefallen, reumütig zu sein?"

"Ist es besser, reumütig zu sein oder einfach nur 'Entschuldigung' zu sagen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation in deinem Leben, in der du dich reumütig gefühlt hast. Was ist passiert?

Warum ist es für manche Menschen so schwer, sich reumütig zu zeigen? Analysiere den Stolz.

Schreibe einen fiktiven Brief eines reumütigen Diebes an sein Opfer.

Denkst du, dass Tiere wirklich reumütig sein können, oder interpretieren wir das nur so?

Wie hat sich deine Art, reumütig zu sein, seit deiner Kindheit verändert?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. 'Sorry' is a general apology. 'Reumütig' describes a deep state of remorse combined with humility. You wouldn't use 'reumütig' if you just bumped into someone on the street.

In standard German (Hochdeutsch), it is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'ich'. In some southern dialects, it might sound like a 'k' or a hard 'g', but 'ch' is the standard.

Yes, it is very common to anthropomorphize pets this way in German. When a dog looks guilty after eating your shoes, you can say 'Der Hund guckt reumütig'.

It must have the umlaut: 'reumütig'. Without the dots, it is a spelling error and changes the pronunciation.

Use 'zerknirscht' when the person looks physically embarrassed or crushed by their mistake. 'Reumütig' is slightly more formal and character-focused.

It's not as common as 'entschuldigend', but it's frequently used in news, books, and serious personal conversations.

Yes, it is very frequently used as an adverb, for example: 'Er kehrte reumütig zurück'.

The most direct opposite is 'reuelos' (without remorse) or 'verstockt' (stubbornly unrepentant).

It has historical religious roots related to penance, but today it is used in completely secular contexts as well.

It is generally considered a B1/B2 level word because it describes complex emotions and has specific cultural/formal usages.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a short email (3 sentences) to a friend apologizing for missing their party using the word 'reumütig'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.