Sympathie
Ich habe große Sympathie für sie.
I have great sympathy for her.
A feeling of pity or sorrow for someone else's misfortune.
Seine Sympathie für die Opfer war spürbar.
His sympathy for the victims was palpable.
Often used in contexts of compassion or emotional support.
A natural liking or affinity for someone or something.
Ich habe sofort Sympathie für ihn gefasst.
I immediately took a liking to him.
Refers to an instinctive positive feeling toward someone.
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Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
Avoid confusing 'Sympathie' with 'Empathie' (empathy). While 'Sympathie' implies pity or liking, 'Empathie' means understanding and sharing another's feelings.
Gold Rule
Usage Context
Use 'Sympathie' when expressing pity or a positive inclination toward someone. It does not imply deep emotional understanding like 'Empathie'.
Word Origin
From Latin *sympathia*, from Greek συμ- (sym-) 'together' + πάθος (páthos) 'feeling', first recorded in German in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
Sympathie is often used in both formal and informal contexts. In literature, it can imply a deeper emotional connection beyond mere pity.