German word

Güte

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgyːtə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounkindness

Example

Seine Güte hilft vielen Menschen.

His kindness helps many people.

Illustration for Güte (kindness)

More examples

Er handelte aus Güte und nahm das verlassene Tier auf.

He acted out of kindness and took in the abandoned animal.

Core concept

An open hand offering help, with the same goodness also marking something as sound or high-grade.

Common phrases

  • aus Güte handeln

    act out of kindness

  • Güte zeigen

    show kindness

  • Güte walten lassen

    show kindness

Similar words

Freundlichkeit: Pleasant, respectful behavior toward other people.
Hilfsbereitschaft: A willingness to step in and help when someone faces difficulties.
Mitgefühl: Sympathetic understanding of another person's emotions or distress.
Wohlwollen: Goodwill shown by wishing for another person's welfare and success.

Definition in German

die freundliche, hilfsbereite Haltung gegenüber anderen Menschen

Word origin

Güte derives from the adjective gut through historical forms including Old High German guoti and Middle High German güete.

Usage tips

  • Güte sounds more elevated and abstract than everyday Freundlichkeit, while Hilfsbereitschaft focuses specifically on willingness to help.

Other meanings

  • goodwillnoun
  • qualitynoun

Opposites

  • Bösheitmalicenoun
  • Grausamkeitcrueltynoun

Related words

  • gütigkindadjective
  • Gütigkeitkindnessnoun

Word lists with this word