das  Leiden

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaɪdən/

😢 What exactly is "das Leiden"?

Das Leiden (noun, neuter) refers to a state of physical or mental pain, sorrow, or illness. It often describes a longer-lasting, profound state of discomfort or impairment.

• Physical suffering (körperliches Leiden): Refers to pain, diseases, or infirmities (e.g., ein schweres Leiden haben - to have a serious ailment).
• Mental suffering (seelisches Leiden): Refers to sorrow, grief, psychological stress (e.g., das seelische Leiden nach einem Verlust - the emotional suffering after a loss).

It is the nominalization (substantivization) of the verb leiden (to suffer, endure, feel pain, suffer from an illness).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Leiden"

Das Leiden is a nominalized verb and therefore neuter (sächlich). It is mostly used in the singular, especially when referring to the concept of suffering in general. The plural die Leiden is rare and tends to refer to specific illnesses, ailments, or painful experiences.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein chronisches Leiden machte ihm sehr zu schaffen. (His chronic ailment caused him a lot of trouble.)
2. Sie sprach offen über ihr seelisches Leiden. (She spoke openly about her emotional suffering.)
3. Der Arzt versuchte, das Leiden des Patienten zu lindern. (The doctor tried to alleviate the patient's suffering.)
4. Die Leiden des jungen Werther (Book title: The Sorrows of Young Werther - plural used for sorrows/tribulations).

💡 Everyday Usage

Das Leiden is used to express a state of pain or sorrow that often lasts for a longer period or has a certain depth. It's a somewhat more formal or elevated word compared to more common terms.

• Medical context: Describing illnesses or chronic conditions (e.g., ein unheilbares Leiden - an incurable ailment, Altersleiden - ailments of old age).
• Emotional/Psychological context: Describing deep sorrow, trauma, or psychological distress (e.g., das Leiden der Hinterbliebenen - the suffering of the bereaved).
• Philosophical/Religious context: Dealing with pain and suffering as part of human existence (e.g., das Leiden in der Welt - suffering in the world).

Difference from Schmerz: While der Schmerz (pain) often refers to acute, momentary physical or emotional pain, das Leiden typically describes a longer-lasting, more comprehensive state of impairment or sorrow.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Leiden"

Article Mnemonic: Nouns formed from verbs (nominalized verbs) are almost always neuter (das). Leiden is a verb, so it becomes das Leiden. Think of suffering as a neutral, abstract concept – the suffering.

Meaning Mnemonic: Someone who leidet (suffers) might have to lie down a lot (in bed). The English words sound somewhat similar and can help you remember the meaning (illness, suffering).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• leiden (verb): The base form from which "das Leiden" is derived. Means to suffer, endure, suffer from (e.g., Ich leide an Kopfschmerzen - I suffer from headaches).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Arzt den Patienten: "Haben Sie starke Leiden?"
Patient: "Nein, nur eines. Aber das reicht mir!"

(Doctor asks the patient: "Do you have severe ailments/sufferings?"
Patient: "No, only one. But that's enough for me!")

(Note: The joke plays on the plural 'Leiden' meaning 'ailments' and the singular 'Leiden' meaning 'one ailment/suffering'.)

📜 Poem about Suffering (das Leiden)

Das Leiden schleicht auf leisen Sohlen,
Will Trost und Hoffnung oft uns stehlen.
Mal ist's der Körper, der uns plagt,
Mal ist's die Seele, die verzagt.
Doch auch im tiefsten Schattental,
Bleibt Hoffnung oft die letzte Wahl.

(Suffering creeps on quiet soles,
Often wanting to steal comfort and hope.
Sometimes it's the body that torments us,
Sometimes it's the soul that despairs.
But even in the deepest valley of shadows,
Hope often remains the final choice.)

🧩 Riddle

Ich kann körperlich sein oder im Gemüt,
Bin oft ein Zustand, der nie richtig blüht.
Manch einer trägt mich still, ein anderer klagt,
Der Arzt versucht zu lindern, was ihn plagt.

Was bin ich? (... Das Leiden)

(I can be physical or in the mind,
Am often a state that never truly shines.
Some bear me silently, another complains,
The doctor tries to soothe what pains.

What am I?
(... Suffering / das Leiden))

ℹ️ Trivia & Etymology

Word Compounds: Das Leiden is often part of compound nouns (Komposita) describing specific types of suffering:

• Die Leidensgeschichte: Story of suffering, ordeal.
• Der Leidensdruck: Level of suffering, psychological strain causing a desire for change.
• Der Leidensgenosse / Die Leidensgenossin: Fellow sufferer.
• Die Altersleiden: Ailments of old age.

Etymology: The word derives from the Old High German verb līdan, which originally meant "to go, travel" and later took on the meaning "to suffer, endure".