adjectiveadverb

nachsichtig

lenient

Jemand vergibt Fehler leicht und ist freundlich, auch wenn andere etwas falsch machen.

Definition & meaning

The German adjective nachsichtig describes a person or an attitude that is lenient, indulgent, or tolerant. It refers to someone who is quick to forgive mistakes, who shows understanding for weaknesses, or who treats others with mildness rather than severity.

Lenient/Indulgent: Being willing to overlook faults or not punishing someone strictly.
Forbearing: Having the capacity to be patient and self-controlled when dealing with annoying or improper behavior from others.

Grammar & Word origin

nachsichtig is an adjective that can be used attributively (e.g., ein nachsichtiger Lehrer - a lenient teacher) or predicatively (e.g., Er war sehr nachsichtig mit ihr - He was very lenient with her).

Etymology: The word is a compound composed of the preposition nach (after/towards) and the noun Sicht (view/sight). Literally, it suggests "looking after" something or someone, implying that one is willing to look beyond a fault or let something pass after considering it. It is derived from the verb nachsehen, which literally means "to look after" but figuratively means "to overlook" or "to forgive."