medfølelse

Medfølelse is a term used in Danish and Norwegian to denote the emotional experience of concern for the suffering or misfortune of others, combined with a desire to help. It is commonly translated into English as compassion or fellow-feeling.

Academic discussions distinguish medfølelse from empathy and sympathy: empathy is the capacity to understand and share another's feelings; sympathy is feeling pity or sorrow for someone, whereas medfølelse adds a motivation to relieve the distress.

Origin: The word is formed from med- (with) and følelse (feeling), with følelse derived from the verb føle (to feel).

Applications and social value: In caregiving, education, and public services, medfølelse is considered a core virtue that supports ethical relationships. It can strengthen care but, if excessive, lead to compassion fatigue. Professionals are encouraged to balance concern with self-care and professional boundaries.

Related terms include empathy, sympathy, altruism, and compassion fatigue.