wehmütig
nostalgic · wistful
The German word "wehmütig" is an adjective that means "wistful" or "nostalgic". It conveys a sense of longing and a bittersweet feeling for the past. The components of the word come from "Weh" (sorrow or pain) and "Mut" (courage or spirit).
Similar words in German include "nostalgisch" (nostalgic) and "sehnsüchtig" (longing).
Difference:
- "Nostalgisch" carries a general sense of yearning for the past but may not necessarily include the element of sorrow present in "wehmütig."
- "Sehnsüchtig" focuses more on strong desire or yearning but is not always connected to memories or the past, as "wehmütig" specifically is.
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Examples
Er schaut wehmütig auf das alte Foto.adjective
He looks nostalgically at the old photo.
Sie verabschiedete sich wehmütig von ihren Freunden.adjective
She said goodbye to her friends wistfully.
Wehmütige Erinnerungen erfüllten ihn beim Abschied.adjective
Wistful memories filled him as he said goodbye.
Beim Gedanken an meine Kindheit werde ich wehmütig.adjective
When I think of my childhood, I become wistful.
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