01
lindern
to relieve
To reduce pain, suffering, symptoms, or a problem; to make something more bearable or less severe.
example
Diese Salbe soll den Juckreiz lindern.
This ointment is supposed to relieve the itching.
lindern
to relieve
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure and usage
'Lindern' (to relieve) is a transitive verb and always requires an accusative object. This object is always something negative that is being reduced, such as pain or a problem.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt verschrieb ein Medikament, das die Entzündung lindern soll.
The doctor prescribed a medication that is supposed to relieve the inflammation.
Typical collocations
The verb is used almost exclusively with negative conditions. Common objects are 'Schmerzen lindern' (to relieve pain), 'Symptome lindern' (to relieve symptoms), 'Leid lindern' (to relieve suffering), 'Beschwerden lindern' (to relieve complaints/discomfort), or 'Husten lindern' (to relieve a cough).
EXAMPLE
Eine Tasse Tee mit Honig kann Halsschmerzen lindern.
A cup of tea with honey can relieve a sore throat.
Register and style
'Lindern' (to relieve) belongs to a somewhat more elevated or formal style of language. It is often found in medical contexts, in pharmacy, or in written language.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, das Leid in der Region zu lindern.
The organization has made it its mission to relieve suffering in the region.
Compare with
lindern vs helfen
to help
'helfen' and 'lindern' can both be used for pain, suffering, or problems. 'helfen' is more general and can mean that something improves a problem or even solves it. 'lindern' is more specific: it makes pain, symptoms, or a difficult situation less severe, but it does not necessarily eliminate them. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a positive effect. If you want to say that something only becomes weaker or more bearable, 'lindern' is more precise.
lindern
Kalte Umschläge lindern die Schmerzen, aber sie heilen die Verletzung nicht.
Cold compresses relieve the pain, but they do not heal the injury.
helfen
Das Medikament hilft gegen die Kopfschmerzen.
The medication helps with the headache.
In real life
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