to tolerate / to get along
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to tolerate
To be able to endure or tolerate something (physically or psychologically) without negative consequences. Often refers to foods, medications, climate, or also criticism.
Ich vertrage leider keine Milchprodukte.
Unfortunately, I can't tolerate dairy products.
'Vertragen' (to tolerate) is an inseparable verb that comes from the stem 'tragen' (to carry, to bear). The prefix 'ver-' always remains firmly attached to the verb and changes the meaning toward 'to tolerate' or 'to endure.'
Sie verträgt die Hitze im Sommer sehr gut.
She tolerates the summer heat very well.
The use of the verb changes depending on whether it refers to people or things. 'Sich mit jemandem vertragen' (to get along with someone) describes a good relationship between people. 'Etwas vertragen' (to tolerate something) describes the physical or psychological reaction to something.
Die beiden Kollegen vertragen sich überhaupt nicht.
The two colleagues don't get along at all.
In the meaning 'tolerieren' (to tolerate), 'vertragen' (to tolerate) is often combined with things that affect the body or the psyche. Common examples are: Alkohol vertragen (to tolerate alcohol), Medikamente vertragen (to tolerate medication), Stress vertragen (to tolerate stress), or Kritik vertragen (to tolerate criticism).
Er kann keinen Kaffee am Abend vertragen, weil er dann nicht schlafen kann.
He can't tolerate coffee in the evening because then he can't sleep.
When it is about a good relationship between people, the verb is always used reflexively: 'sich vertragen' (to get along). The person one gets along with is often added with the preposition 'mit' (with).
Vertragt ihr euch wieder?
Are you getting along again?
The phrase 'etwas könnte [etwas] vertragen' (something could use [something]) is colloquial and means that something needs an improvement. The modal verb 'können' (can) is almost always part of the expression.
Dein Auto könnte mal wieder eine Wäsche vertragen.
Your car could use a wash again.
The structure 'sich mit etwas vertragen' (to be compatible with something) is often used for abstract ideas, principles, or values to express their compatibility. It is about whether two concepts fit together logically or morally.
Seine Forderungen vertragen sich nicht mit unseren finanziellen Möglichkeiten.
His demands are not compatible with our financial possibilities.
to get / receive
'gut bekommen' and 'vertragen' both have to do with the effect of food, drink, or other influences on the body. 'Etwas bekommt mir gut' describes the result: afterward I feel fine; my body does not react badly. 'Etwas vertragen' describes the ability more: my body can handle it. Learners may confuse the words because both appear in similar situations, for example with milk, coffee, or medication. In practice, you can say: 'Ich vertrage Milch nicht' means generally that milk is a problem. 'Die Milch ist mir nicht gut bekommen' describes more of a specific reaction after drinking it.
Seit ihrer Kindheit verträgt sie keine Nüsse.
She has not been able to tolerate nuts since childhood.
Das schwere Essen ist mir gestern Abend nicht gut bekommen.
The heavy food did not agree with me yesterday evening.