Definition
To suffer or to endure pain, discomfort, or difficulty. Also used in the phrase "jemanden leiden können" to mean you like someone.
Example
Sie leidet sehr unter dem kalten Winterwetter.
Show translation
She suffers a lot because of the cold winter weather.
Etymology
From Middle High German *lîden*, from Old High German *lîdan* ("to go, travel, endure"), related to Old English *līðan* ("to travel, go"). The core sense of "enduring" a journey gradually narrowed to "enduring hardship or pain." The modern fixed phrase *jemanden leiden können* (literally "to be able to bear someone") is a uniquely German idiom that flips the word's painful sense into one of affection.
Cultural note
The idiom **„Ich kann ihn gut leiden"** ("I quite like him") often surprises English speakers, since *leiden* literally means to suffer — yet this is a completely standard, everyday way to express that you get along well with someone. The negative form **„Ich kann sie nicht leiden"** ("I can't stand her") is equally common and direct. Knowing both forms is essential for natural German conversation.