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 erleichtern
to make easier / relieve
Erleichtern and lindern can both make a difficult experience less burdensome for someone. Lindern refers directly to pain, suffering, or symptoms and reduces them, while erleichtern makes it easier for someone to cope with them. Use lindern for the suffering itself and erleichtern for the person affected.
lindern
Die gute Betreuung lindert die Schmerzen des Patienten während der Behandlung.
The good care relieves the patient's pain during treatment.
erleichtern
Die gute Betreuung erleichtert dem Patienten das Leiden während der Behandlung.
The good care makes it easier for the patient to cope with the suffering during treatment.
In real life
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