schweren Herzens
Translation
with a heavy heart, reluctantly
Examples
Schweren Herzens verließ er seine Heimat.
With a heavy heart, he left his homeland.
Sie stimmte dem Plan schweren Herzens zu.
She agreed to the plan with a heavy heart.
Grammar Patterns
[schweren Herzens + Verb] to do something with a heavy heart Schweren Herzens verließ er seine Heimat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: widerwillig (reluctantly), ungern (unwillingly)
Etymology
Literally 'of a heavy heart' (genitive case). It's a metaphor for the heart being weighed down by sadness or reluctance.
Memory Tips
Picture a heart made of lead, making any decision or action feel difficult and sorrowful.