German word

bedauern

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈdaʊ̯ɐn/

Meaning

  • verbbe sorry

Example

Ich bedauere das sehr.

I am very sorry about that.

Illustration for bedauern (be sorry)

More examples

Ich bedauere meine Entscheidung.

I regret my decision.

Core concept

A speaker looks back at an unhappy outcome and voices sorrow about it.

Common phrases

  • eine Entscheidung bedauern

    regret a decision

  • einen Fehler bedauern

    regret a mistake

Similar words

leidtun: Feel sorry for causing someone distress or inconvenience.
entschuldigen: Offer an apology for personal wrongdoing or conduct.
bereuen: Feel deep remorse about a past action or decision.

Definition in German

Etwas als schade empfinden und dieses Gefühl ausdrücken.

Word origin

The verb comes from Middle High German bedûren, meaning to feel sorrow or regret, and retains that sense in modern German.

Usage tips

  • Bedauern takes a direct accusative object, as in "Ich bedauere das", rather than a dative object.

Other meanings

  • deploreverb
  • regretverb

Opposites

  • sich freuenrejoiceverb

Related words

Word lists with this word