to endure / bear
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to endure
To withstand something unpleasant, painful, or difficult without breaking down or giving up.
Ich kann seine ständige Unpünktlichkeit einfach nicht mehr ertragen.
I simply can't endure his constant unpunctuality anymore.
'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.
Sie ertrug die laute Musik ohne sich zu beschweren.
She endured the loud music without complaining.
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.
Er musste während seiner Krankheit große Schmerzen ertragen.
He had to endure great pain during his illness.
'Ertragen' (to endure / bear) is a transitive verb and almost always requires an accusative object. You always endure 'etwas' (something) or 'jemanden' (someone).
Ich kann seine arrogante Art nicht ertragen.
I can't endure his arrogant manner.
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).
Manche Menschen können große Hitze nur schwer ertragen.
Some people can only endure great heat with difficulty.
to wear / carry
'tragen' and 'ertragen' can both have to do with a load or burden. 'tragen' means that something supports a load, or that someone takes on responsibility, costs, or consequences. 'ertragen' more often means that someone endures something difficult or unpleasant. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected to strain or burden. In practical terms: a bridge trägt weight, a person trägt responsibility, but pain, noise, or stress is something you erträgt.
Wegen des lauten Bauens konnte Anna den Lärm kaum ertragen.
Because of the loud construction work, Anna could hardly endure the noise.
Die alte Wand trägt das schwere Dach noch immer.
The old wall still supports the heavy roof.