schmerzlichen

Schmerzlichen is the dative plural form of the German adjective schmerzlich, meaning painful or sorrowful. It occurs most prominently in the formal closing of letters or notices as part of the phrase mit schmerzlichen Grüßen, literally “with sorrowful regards.” In English, this expression is typically translated as “with heartfelt condolences” or “with sincere condolences,” depending on context.

Usage and register. The phrase ist used to convey sorrow, regret, or condolence in written communications. It is common in contexts such as obituaries, bereavement notices, or formal apologies, where a solemn or somber tone is appropriate. While it denotes respect and gravity, it carries a more emotional weight than more neutral closings such as mit freundlichen Grüßen (with kind regards) or mit besten Grüßen (with best regards).

Grammar and declension. Schmerzlichen is the dative plural ending of schmerzlich when modifying a plural noun without an article in prepositional phrases. In the standard closing mit schmerzlichen Grüßen, the noun Grüßen is the dative plural of Gruß (greeting), and schmerzlichen agrees with it in gender, number, and case. The ending reflects the typical German strong/mixed declension pattern used after prepositions with no article.

Etymology and related terms. The adjective schmerzlich derives from Schmerz (pain) with the suffix -lich to form meaning painful or sorrowful. Related expressions in German closing formulas include freundlichen Grüßen (friendly regards), herzlichen Grüßen (warm regards), and Beileidsbekundungen (expressions of condolence).