ertragen
to endure
To withstand something unpleasant, painful, or difficult without breaking down or giving up.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann seine ständige Unpünktlichkeit einfach nicht mehr ertragen.
I simply can't endure his constant unpunctuality anymore.
ertragen
to endure / bear
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Meanings
ertragen
to bear
To be able to carry or support a physical load or weight without collapsing.
EXAMPLE
Die Brücke wurde so konstruiert, dass sie auch die schwersten Lastwagen ertragen kann.
The bridge was designed so that it can bear even the heaviest trucks.
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Ertragen' (to endure / bear) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'er-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem 'tragen' (to carry) in all sentence forms and tenses.
EXAMPLE
Sie ertrug die laute Musik ohne sich zu beschweren.
She endured the loud music without complaining.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'er-' and the verb 'tragen' (to carry). While 'tragen' describes physically holding a load, 'ertragen' (to endure / bear) often means to 'carry through' and withstand a difficult situation or feeling over a longer period of time.
EXAMPLE
Er musste während seiner Krankheit große Schmerzen ertragen.
He had to endure great pain during his illness.
Use with the accusative
'Ertragen' (to endure / bear) is a transitive verb and almost always requires an accusative object. You always endure 'etwas' (something) or 'jemanden' (someone).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann seine arrogante Art nicht ertragen.
I can't endure his arrogant manner.
Typical collocations
In its most common meaning, 'ertragen' (to endure) is combined with negative or difficult, often abstract things. Typical examples are: 'Schmerzen ertragen' (to endure pain), 'die Hitze ertragen' (to endure the heat), 'eine Beleidigung ertragen' (to endure an insult), or 'die Stille ertragen' (to endure the silence).
EXAMPLE
Manche Menschen können große Hitze nur schwer ertragen.
Some people can only endure great heat with difficulty.
Compare with
ertragen vs leiden
to suffer
Leiden and ertragen can refer to the same unpleasant experience, but they emphasize different aspects. Leiden describes a person's painful condition, while ertragen emphasizes that they withstand something burdensome. Use „leiden“ when the condition is important, and „ertragen“ when enduring the burden is the main focus.
ertragen
Trotz der starken Rückenschmerzen erträgt sie den langen Arbeitstag.
Despite her severe back pain, she endures the long workday.
leiden
Sie leidet seit Wochen unter den starken Schmerzen im Rücken.
She has been suffering from severe back pain for weeks.
In real life
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