verb

ertragen

bear · endure

Etwas Schweres oder Unangenehmes aushalten und damit weiterleben, ohne aufzugeben.

The German word "ertragen" is a verb meaning "to endure," "to bear," or "to tolerate."

  • It is made up of the prefix "er-" (indicating a completed action or attainment) and the verb "tragen" which means "to carry".
  • Literally, it conveys the notion of carrying or bearing something difficult or unpleasant.

Similar words:

  • "aushalten" – to endure, to withstand
  • "aushalten" – similar to "aushalten," often used interchangeably
  • "dulden" – to tolerate or put up with
  • "erleiden" – to suffer (more emphasis on experiencing pain or hardship)

Differences:

  • "ertragen" emphasizes bearing or carrying through something unpleasant, often with a sense of patience.
  • "aushalten" often implies persisting despite discomfort and can be more temporary.
  • "dulden" focuses on tolerating something without wanting it, often more passive.
  • "erleiden" highlights the experience of suffering rather than the endurance.

Make “ertragen” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Examples

Er kann die Schmerzen kaum ertragen.verb

He can hardly bear the pain.

Er erträgt die Schmerzen tapfer.verb

He endures the pain bravely.

Man kann nicht alles alleine ertragen.verb

One cannot bear everything alone.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).