das  Leid

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/laɪt/

😢 What exactly does 'das Leid' mean?

Das Leid (neuter noun) refers to a state of deep Schmerz (pain), Kummer (sorrow), or Unglück (misfortune). It can relate to both seelisches Leid (emotional suffering) and körperliches Leid (physical suffering).

• Emotional suffering: Grief, worry, sorrow, heartbreak.
• Physical suffering: Pain from illness or injury.

It's a strong word often used in serious or emotional contexts. A very common phrase is "Es tut mir leid", used to express regret or sympathy ('I'm sorry').

⚠️ Note: Although it's an abstract concept, it's treated grammatically as a neuter noun (das Leid). The plural form 'die Leiden' is less common for the general concept but can mean specific 'sufferings' or 'ailments'.

📜 Grammar Corner: Declining 'Leid'

The noun 'Leid' is neuter (das). It's mostly used in the singular and often without an article when referring to the general concept of suffering.

Example Sentences

1. Sein Leid war nach dem Verlust unermesslich.
   His suffering was immeasurable after the loss.
2. Sie hat in ihrem Leben viel Leid erfahren müssen.
   She had to experience much suffering in her life.
3. Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät bin. (Set phrase)
   I'm sorry that I'm late.
4. Die Ärztin versucht, die Leiden des Patienten zu lindern. (Plural: ailments)
   The doctor tries to alleviate the patient's sufferings/ailments.
5. Er klagte mir sein Leid.
   He poured out his troubles to me.

💬 How to Use 'Leid'

'Leid' is mainly used to describe negative feelings or states:

• Expressing sympathy/regret: The most frequent use is in the phrase "Es tut mir leid" ('I'm sorry').
• Describing pain/sorrow: You can talk about the 'Leid' of a person or group (e.g., das Leid der Flüchtlinge - the suffering of the refugees).
• In set phrases:
  • jemandem sein Leid klagen: to pour out one's troubles to someone.
  • Leid tragen: to bear sorrow, to grieve.
  • zum Leidwesen von jemandem: unfortunately for someone, to someone's regret (e.g., "Zu meinem Leidwesen regnete es." - 'Unfortunately for me, it rained.')
  • etwas (Acc.) leid sein: to be tired/sick of something (e.g., "Ich bin es leid, immer zu warten." - 'I'm tired of always waiting.') ⚠️ Here, 'leid' is an adjective/predicative, not the noun 'das Leid'!

Compared to Schmerz (often physical pain) or Kummer (more emotional sorrow, worry), Leid is a broader term for deep unhappiness or prolonged suffering.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Leid'

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of abstract concepts often being das in German (like das Glück - happiness, das Pech - bad luck). Das Leid (suffering) fits this pattern. It's das abstract feeling.

Meaning Mnemonic: Leid sounds a bit like the English word 'lied'. When someone has suffered (Leid), they might have 'lied' down from exhaustion or sadness.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution!)

• leid (adjective): As in "Ich bin es leid." ('I'm sick of it.') or "Es tut mir leid." ('I'm sorry.')
• das Lied (noun): Song.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Warum tragen Wolken kein Leid?
Weil sie immer über den Dingen schweben und jeden Kummer einfach abregnen lassen! 🌧️

EN: Why don't clouds bear any sorrow (Leid)?
Because they always float above everything and just let all the troubles rain down!

✒️ Poem about Suffering (Leid)

DE:
Das Leid, ein Schatten, dunkel, schwer,
legt sich aufs Herz, macht hoffnungsleer.
Es frisst die Freude, raubt den Mut,
lässt Tränen fließen, heiße Glut.

Doch auch im Leid ein Funke glimmt,
der Stärke weckt, die Hoffnung nimmt
uns mit empor, aus tiefer Nacht,
hat neues Leben angefacht.

EN:
Suffering (Leid), a shadow, dark and deep,
Lies on the heart, makes hope asleep.
It eats the joy, steals courage bold,
Lets tears flow down, a story told.

But even in sorrow, a spark does glow,
Awakens strength, helps hope to grow,
Lifts us above, from darkest night,
Igniting new life, burning bright.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich habe keinen Körper, doch fühle tiefen Schmerz.
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch sprech' aus manchem Herz.
Man klagt mich Freunden, man trägt mich still allein,
"Es tut mir...", sagt man oft, will man entschuldigend sein. Was bin ich?

EN:
I have no body, yet I feel deep pain.
I have no voice, yet speak from hearts in vain.
I'm lamented to friends, or borne in silence tight,
"I'm... sorry," people say, trying to make things right.
What am I? → Das Leid (Suffering/Sorrow)

🧐 Further Insights into Leid

Word Combinations: 'Leid' is part of many German words:

• Mitleid: Compassion, sympathy (lit. 'with-suffering').
• Leidwesen: Regret (e.g., zu meinem Leidwesen - 'to my regret').
• Leidtragende(r): Mourner, sufferer (the person bearing the sorrow).
• Leidensweg: Ordeal, path of suffering.
• Leidenschaft: Passion (interestingly positive, despite containing 'Leid'!).

Etymology: The word stems from the Old High German 'leid', meaning 'repugnant', 'hateful', or 'grievous'.