German Phrase
Schuld kann eine schwere Last sein.
Meaning
This phrase articulates the psychological and emotional weight that guilt imposes on an individual. It uses the metaphor of a physical burden to describe how feelings of remorse can be exhausting and difficult to carry.
When to use
This sentence is typically used in philosophical, psychological, or serious personal contexts when discussing the impact of past actions or the nature of regret.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchuldkanneineschwereLastsein
Modal Verbs
The verb 'kann' (from können) is a modal verb that pushes the main verb 'sein' to the very end of the sentence in its infinitive form.
Adjective Declension
The adjective 'schwere' takes the '-e' ending because it modifies the feminine noun 'Last' in the nominative case following the indefinite article 'eine'.
🗨In Conversation
Er denkt immer noch an seinen Fehler von vor zehn Jahren.
He is still thinking about his mistake from ten years ago.
Schuld kann eine schwere Last sein.
Guilt can be a heavy burden.
✕Common Mistakes
Schuld kann einen schwere Last sein.
'Last' is a feminine noun, so the indefinite article must be 'eine' in the nominative case.
Schuld kann eine schwere Last haben.
The phrase uses 'sein' (to be) to describe the nature of guilt, not 'haben' (to have).
↔Alternatives
Schuldgefühle sind belastend.
Feelings of guilt are burdensome.
Die Schuld wiegt schwer.
The guilt weighs heavily.
Cultural Tip
In German, the word 'Schuld' refers to both moral guilt and financial debt. This linguistic overlap often emphasizes a sense of obligation and the necessity of 'repaying' or resolving what is owed, whether emotionally or financially.