ABSTRACT

The Danish Medlidenhed derives from the German Mitleid, both meaning “suffering with” and both translations of the Latin compassio or Greek συμπάθεια. In addition to “sympathy,” Medlidenhed can also be translated as “compassion,” “pity,” “fellowfeeling,” or even just “concern.” Its lexical meaning in Danish is to suffer alongside another person, or participate in the suffering of another; to feel sorrow for another person who suffers and to understand that they suffer.1 As in English, it also holds the implication of offering consolation to the bereaved. Kierkegaard occasionally also used Medfølelse (“feeling with”), and he frequently used Deeltagelse, although the latter often simply translates as “participation” or “interest” depending on context. He also employed the term Sympathi, although this is largely confined-with only a handful of exceptions-to the earlier pseudonymous writings Either/Or and Stages on Life’s Way. Thus, Medlidenhed is used most consistently to indicate “sympathy” throughout the authorship, although several terms are often translated as “sympathy” or “compassion.”