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.
to get along
To have a good, harmonious relationship with someone; to get along with each other without arguing.
Obwohl sie sehr verschieden sind, vertragen sich die beiden Schwestern gut.
Although they are very different, the two sisters get along well.
could use
Colloquial for needing or being able to use something in order to improve a condition.
Diese Wand könnte wirklich einen neuen Anstrich vertragen.
This wall could really use a new coat of paint.
to be compatible with
To be compatible with something else; to be in harmony with something.
Sein egoistisches Verhalten verträgt sich nicht mit den Werten unseres Teams.
His selfish behavior is not compatible with our team's values.
'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 endure / bear
Ertragen emphasizes that something is unpleasant or painful but is endured anyway. Vertragen means that something has no negative physical or psychological effects. So a person can endure the taste of a medication even though their body does not tolerate the medication well.
Das neue Medikament kann sie ohne Magenprobleme vertragen.
She can tolerate the new medication without experiencing stomach problems.
Den bitteren Geschmack des Medikaments kann sie gerade noch ertragen.
She can barely tolerate the bitter taste of the medication.
