Leiden
/ˈlaɪ̯dən/
The German word for suffering is Leiden.
Leiden is used to describe the act of experiencing pain or the state of suffering itself. In a formal context, it serves as a direct translation for the English word suffering.
Meaning: experiencing pain (adj)
Which one should you use?
While Leiden refers to general suffering, other terms can be more specific: Qualen describes extreme suffering or agony, while Pein refers to a state of torment or distress typically caused by emotional or mental anguish. Additionally, Misere is used to convey a sense of misery or dire circumstances and Schmerz specifically means pain.
How does it change in a sentence?
Leiden can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun meaning suffering, it is a neuter noun and is capitalized as das Leiden. As a verb, it means to suffer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaɪ̯dən/
Did you know?
- The verb leiden is a distant relative of the English word 'lithe', meaning flexible or supple. Originally, the word meant 'to go' or 'to travel', implying that one must endure a journey or path.
- In German, you can use the verb leiden with the preposition an to specify a medical condition, such as an einer Krankheit leiden meaning 'to suffer from a disease'.
Examples in context
- Leiden Sie noch immer?Are you still suffering?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is still suffering using Leiden.Tatoeba #12641366 by Waldelfe, translation #12156061 by CK
- Leiden ist mir nicht fremd.I'm no stranger to suffering.This sentence is useful for saying one is no stranger to suffering using Leiden.Tatoeba #8667106 by Melang, translation #5203258 by CK
- Ohne Heimat zu sein heißt leiden.Being without a homeland means suffering.This sentence is useful for stating that being without a homeland means suffering using Leiden.Tatoeba #6450910 by Esperantostern, translation #12730244 by rul
- Das Leiden der Menschen in Krisengebieten ist herzzerreißend.The suffering of people in crisis areas is heart-wrenching.
- Der Schmerz in ihrer Stimme spiegelte ihre inneren Qualen wider.The pain in her voice reflected her inner suffering.
- Ich kann seine innere Pein förmlich spüren.I can almost feel his inner suffering.
- Die politische Misere des Landes beeinflusst das alltägliche Leben der Bürger stark.The country's political misery strongly impacts the daily lives of its citizens.
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about a friend's illness.
- SarahWie geht es ihm heute?How is he doing today?
- LukasEr muss leider sehr Leiden.Unfortunately, he has to suffer a lot.
- SarahDas tut mir sehr leid.I am very sorry to hear that.
- LukasJa, sein Leiden ist wirklich groß.Yes, his suffering is truly great.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Leiden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Leiden, leiden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
