ordeal / torture
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ordeal
A very painful, agonizing, or long and exhausting experience that someone has to go through. It can refer to physical or emotional suffering.
Die stundenlange Befragung war eine einzige Tortur für den Zeugen.
The hours-long questioning was a complete ordeal for the witness.
The historical meaning 'Folter' (torture) is usually clear from context, for example when talking about the Middle Ages or certain court proceedings. In everyday language, 'Tortur' (ordeal) almost always means a long, exhausting experience.
Die Fahrt im überfüllten Zug zur Arbeit ist jeden Morgen eine Tortur.
The commute to work on the overcrowded train is an ordeal every morning.
Although the word looks like the English 'torture', 'die Tortur' in German often has a weaker, figurative meaning. A long wait or a difficult exam can be a 'Tortur' (ordeal) without any physical violence being involved.
Die zweistündige Wartezeit beim Arzt war eine echte Tortur.
The two-hour wait at the doctor's office was a real ordeal.
For the figurative meaning, 'Tortur' (ordeal) is often combined with verbs like 'durchmachen' (to go through), 'erleiden' (to suffer), or 'hinter sich haben' (to have behind oneself / to be done with). This describes having gotten through a very unpleasant phase.
Nachdem er die schwere Prüfung endlich bestanden hatte, hatte er die Tortur hinter sich.
After he had finally passed the difficult exam, the ordeal was behind him.
murder
'der Mord' and 'die Tortur' can both express that something is extremely difficult or unpleasant. With 'Mord', however, this only applies colloquially in expressions like 'Das ist ein Mord' (that's murder). It sounds exaggerated and rather informal. 'Tortur' means a long, very stressful, or painful experience and sounds more serious. For an actual killing, use 'Mord', not 'Tortur'. When talking about effort, 'Tortur' fits better for intense suffering, while 'ein Mord' is more of a casual exaggeration.
Nach drei Stunden im Wartezimmer war der Arzttermin für sie eine echte Tortur.
After three hours in the waiting room, the doctor's appointment was a real ordeal for her.
Der Aufstieg mit den schweren Taschen war ein Mord.
The climb with the heavy bags was murder.