leisten
do · provide · afford · contribute · achieve
Etwas schaffen oder tun, oft mit Anstrengung oder Mühe.
Definition & meaning
leisten is a common German verb with several related meanings:
- To achieve / accomplish / manage (to do something)
It means to carry out or bring about something, often something demanding.
- Er kann viel leisten. = He can achieve/accomplish a lot.
- Gute Arbeit leisten. = to do good work.
- To afford (financially) / be able to pay for something
It refers to having enough money or resources to buy or maintain something.
- Ich kann mir das nicht leisten. = I can’t afford that.
- To provide / render (a service or contribution)
Used when someone “delivers” help, payment, resistance, etc.
- Hilfe leisten. = to provide help.
- Widerstand leisten. = to offer resistance.
Grammar & Word origin
- Part of speech: verb (weak/regular)
- Principal forms: leisten – leistete – hat geleistet
- Common constructions:
- etwas leisten (to accomplish/produce something)
- sich (etwas) leisten (to treat oneself to something; to afford something)
- Fixed noun-verb phrases: Hilfe leisten, Widerstand leisten, Beitrag leisten
- Word origin (parts): Not a separable-prefix verb. Historically related to the idea of performing or rendering something (performance/service).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms (depending on meaning):
- For “accomplish/achieve”: bewältigen, schaffen, vollbringen, erbringen
- For “afford”: (sich) erlauben, (sich) gönnen (more “treat oneself”)
- For “provide/render”: geben[?](vocabuo://word/geben], gewähren, beisteuern
Antonyms (where applicable):
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Examples
Der Zimmermann leistet gute Arbeit.verb
The carpenter does good work.
Sie leisten gute Arbeit.verb
They are doing a good job.
Er leistet wertvolle Unterstützung.verb
He is providing valuable support.
Er kann sich ein neues Auto leisten.verb
He can afford a new car.
Er leistet einen Beitrag zum Projekt.verb
He contributes to the project.
Wir müssen uns bemühen, mehr zu leisten.verb
We have to strive to achieve more.
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