die Qual
agony / torment
Very great physical or emotional suffering; a state of intense pain or tormenting anguish.
EXAMPLE
Die ständigen Kopfschmerzen waren für ihn eine einzige Qual.
The constant headaches were sheer agony for him.
die Qual
agony / torment
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Meanings
die Qual der Wahl haben
to be spoiled for choice
To have to make a difficult decision because there are many different, usually good options.
EXAMPLE
Bei so vielen leckeren Eissorten hat man wirklich die Qual der Wahl.
With so many delicious ice cream flavors, you really are spoiled for choice.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Qual' (agony, torment) is the noun related to the verb 'quälen' (to torment). The whole word family describes a state of great suffering or pain.
EXAMPLE
Es quält ihn, dass er nicht helfen kann.
It torments him that he cannot help.
Strong word
This word is very strong and emotional. It describes extreme suffering, not just inconvenience. Use it for truly terrible situations.
EXAMPLE
Das Warten auf die Ergebnisse war eine Qual.
Waiting for the results was agony.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'die Qual der Wahl haben' (to be spoiled for choice) is usually used ironically or humorously. It describes the luxury problem of having to choose between many good options and does not mean real suffering.
EXAMPLE
In diesem riesigen Schuhgeschäft hat man wirklich die Qual der Wahl.
In this huge shoe store, you really are spoiled for choice.
Compare with
Qual vs Leid
suffering
„Das Leid“ generally refers to great physical or emotional suffering. „Die Qual“ emphasizes that this suffering is particularly intense and tormenting. „Qual“ is therefore more appropriate for an experience that is very difficult to endure.
Qual
Die heftigen Schmerzen während der Krankheit waren für ihn eine Qual.
The severe pain during the illness was agony for him.
Leid
Die lange Krankheit brachte ihm viel Leid.
The long illness caused him a great deal of suffering.
In real life
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