to be patient / wait
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to be patient
To have patience and wait without becoming restless or annoyed. The verb is used almost exclusively reflexively.
Sie müssen sich noch einen Moment gedulden, der Arzt kommt gleich.
You will need to be patient for another moment; the doctor will be here shortly.
This verb is reflexive and is almost always used with 'sich' (oneself). The person who is waiting appears in the accusative as a reflexive pronoun.
Ich muss mich noch etwas gedulden, bis der Bus kommt.
I need to be patient a little longer until the bus comes.
'Gedulden' is the verb related to the noun 'die Geduld' (patience). 'Sich gedulden' therefore literally means to 'exercise patience' or 'have patience'.
Er konnte sich nicht länger gedulden und fragte ungeduldig nach.
He could no longer be patient and asked again impatiently.
It is often stated how long one should wait, e.g. with 'einen Moment' (a moment), 'ein wenig' (a little), or 'kurz' (briefly). You can also add a subordinate clause with 'bis' (until) to name the condition for the end of the waiting.
Bitte gedulden Sie sich einen Augenblick.
Please be patient for a moment.
to wait / maintain
'warten' and 'sich gedulden' both have to do with time passing until something happens. 'warten' simply describes the situation: you stay there or do nothing until someone arrives or something happens. 'sich gedulden' emphasizes the inner attitude: you should stay calm and not become impatient. That is why 'warten' fits in many everyday situations, for example at a bus stop or while waiting for an answer. 'sich gedulden' often sounds like a request or instruction, especially when someone still needs a little time. They can be confused because when you are waiting, you often also have to be patient.
Bitte gedulden Sie sich noch einen Moment, der Arzt kommt gleich.
Please be patient for another moment; the doctor will be here shortly.
Meine Nachbarin wartet im Zug auf die Durchsage.
My neighbor is waiting on the train for the announcement.