Nachtragend vs. missgünstig vs. verärgert
While nachtragend, missgünstig, and verärgert can all be translated as resentful in English, they have distinct nuances in German that are important to understand for proper usage.
Nachtragend
B1Nachtragend refers to someone who holds grudges or can't let go of past offenses. It describes a long-lasting resentment.
Mein Bruder ist sehr nachtragend und erinnert mich immer noch an den Streit von vor fünf Jahren.
(My brother is very resentful and still reminds me of the argument from five years ago.)
Sei nicht so nachtragend, es war doch nur ein Versehen!
(Don't be so resentful, it was just a mistake!)
Missgünstig
B2Missgünstig describes someone who is envious or begrudging of others' success or good fortune. It implies a resentment born out of jealousy.
Seine missgünstigen Kommentare über den Erfolg seines Kollegen waren unangebracht.
(His resentful comments about his colleague's success were inappropriate.)
Sie blickte missgünstig auf das neue Auto ihres Nachbarn.
(She looked resentfully at her neighbor's new car.)
Verärgert
A2Verärgert means annoyed or angry, indicating a more immediate and short-term resentment in response to a specific situation.
Der Kunde war verärgert über die lange Wartezeit.
(The customer was resentful about the long waiting time.)
Sie war verärgert, als sie erfuhr, dass ihr Flug Verspätung hatte.
(She was resentful when she learned that her flight was delayed.)
Summary
While all three words can be translated as resentful, nachtragend implies a long-lasting grudge, missgünstig refers to resentment born from envy, and verärgert describes a more immediate, situational anger or annoyance. Understanding these nuances helps in using the right word for the specific context in German communication.