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A1 noun #3,800 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

Geduld

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Geduld en 30 secondes

Explication Geduld in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Geduld' is introduced as a basic concept related to waiting and daily life. Students learn that it is a feminine noun ('die Geduld') and that it is primarily used with the verb 'haben'. At this stage, you don't need to know complex idioms, but you should be able to say 'Ich habe Geduld' (I have patience) or 'Haben Sie Geduld' (Have patience). The focus is on recognizing the word in simple contexts like public transport announcements or classroom instructions. You might encounter it in phrases like 'Ein bisschen Geduld, bitte!' (A little patience, please!). It's important to start associating it with the preposition 'mit' + Dative, even if you only use it in simple sentences like 'Geduld mit mir' (Patience with me). Understanding that Geduld is a noun and not an adjective is the primary goal here. You should also be able to recognize the short 'u' sound in the pronunciation to distinguish it from other words.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Geduld' in more varied sentence structures. You will learn to express the lack of patience using 'keine Geduld haben' and start using it with modal verbs, such as 'Man muss Geduld haben' (One must have patience). You will also encounter the adjective 'geduldig' and learn to distinguish it from the noun. At this stage, you might start hearing the word in customer service scenarios, such as 'Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld'. You should be able to write short sentences describing situations where patience is needed, like 'Beim Arzt braucht man viel Geduld'. You'll also learn more common collocations like 'die Geduld verlieren' (to lose patience). Your understanding of the dative case will help you use 'mit' more accurately, e.g., 'Er hat keine Geduld mit seinem Bruder'.

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At the B1 level, you can discuss the concept of patience more abstractly. You might use 'Geduld' in the context of personal development, hobbies, or work. You will learn more sophisticated expressions like 'die Geduld aufbringen' (to muster patience) or 'jemandes Geduld auf die Probe stellen' (to put someone's patience to the test). You should be able to understand short texts or stories where 'Geduld' is a central theme. You will also become familiar with common proverbs like 'Geduld bringt Rosen'. In conversation, you can explain why patience is important in certain situations using subordinate clauses: 'Ich glaube, dass man beim Sprachenlernen viel Geduld braucht, weil es ein langer Prozess ist'. You will also start to see 'Geduld' used in more formal writing, such as emails or letters of complaint.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances between 'Geduld' and its synonyms like 'Ausdauer' or 'Beharrlichkeit'. You can participate in discussions about societal patience, such as how technology affects our ability to wait. You will encounter more idiomatic language, like 'der Geduldsfaden reißt' (the thread of patience snaps). You should be able to follow complex arguments in newspaper articles or podcasts where 'Geduld' is discussed as a virtue or a requirement for success. Your use of prepositions and cases should be consistently correct. You will also learn to use 'Geduld' in passive or more formal constructions: 'Hier ist äußerste Geduld gefragt' (Extreme patience is required here). You can also use the word to describe more nuanced emotional states, such as 'stoische Geduld' (stoic patience).

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'Geduld' and can use it with precision in academic or professional contexts. You can analyze literary texts where 'Geduld' is used as a motif and understand its historical and cultural connotations. You are familiar with rare or poetic synonyms like 'Langmut'. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures and understand the subtle difference in tone between 'Geduld haben' and 'sich in Geduld üben'. You can discuss the psychological aspects of patience and its relation to 'Selbstbeherrschung' (self-control). Your vocabulary includes advanced collocations like 'eine Engelsgeduld beweisen' or 'die Geduld bis zum Äußersten strapazieren'. You can also use the word in metaphorical ways to describe processes in nature or society.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'Geduld' is near-native. You understand all its idiomatic, metaphorical, and historical uses. You can appreciate the word's role in classical German philosophy and literature. You can use 'Geduld' to express subtle shades of meaning, such as the difference between passive waiting and active, strategic patience. You can effortlessly switch between different registers, using 'Geduld' in everything from casual slang to highly formal academic discourse. You are aware of the word's etymological roots and how they influence its current meaning. You can use the word to construct sophisticated arguments about the human condition, time, and endurance. At this level, 'Geduld' is not just a vocabulary word, but a versatile tool for high-level expression.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Geduld en 30 secondes

Geduld is the German noun for patience, essential for daily life and learning.
It is a feminine noun (die Geduld) and almost always used in the singular form.
Common phrases include 'Geduld haben' (to have patience) and 'Geduld verlieren' (to lose patience).
The preposition 'mit' + Dative is used to show who or what you are patient with.

The German word Geduld is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'patience' in English. It describes the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. In German culture, where efficiency and punctuality are highly valued, the concept of Geduld occupies a unique space; it is seen as both a personal virtue and a necessary social lubricant. Whether you are waiting for a train that is delayed, standing in line at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office), or slowly mastering the complex grammar of the German language itself, Geduld is the internal state you must cultivate to remain composed.

Core Definition: The mental ability to wait for a long time or to deal with difficult situations without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Grammatical Gender: Die Geduld (feminine). It is almost exclusively used in the singular form in modern German.

Historically, the word is deeply rooted in the concept of 'bearing' or 'enduring.' When a German speaker tells you that you need Geduld, they are often acknowledging that the situation is genuinely difficult or slow, rather than simply telling you to 'wait.' It implies a respect for the time required for processes to unfold naturally. In professional settings, showing Geduld is a sign of maturity and professionalism.

Man braucht viel Geduld, um ein neues Instrument zu lernen.

This sentence highlights that Geduld is a prerequisite for skill acquisition. It is not just about waiting; it is about the quality of the waiting. The word is often paired with the verb 'haben' (to have). Unlike in English where we might 'be patient' (adjective), in German, you 'have patience' (noun). Beyond the individual, Geduld is often discussed in societal terms. The 'Geduldsfaden' (thread of patience) is a common metaphorical concept used to describe how close someone is to losing their temper. If your 'Geduldsfaden reißt' (thread of patience snaps), you have reached your limit. This vivid imagery is used frequently in literature and daily conversation to describe the breaking point of human endurance. Furthermore, Geduld is intrinsically linked to the German idea of 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness). To do something right, one must have the Geduld to check every detail. This makes it a highly respected trait in craftsmanship and engineering.

Mit ein wenig Geduld und Spucke fängt man eine Mücke.

This old proverb (With a little patience and spit, one catches a midge) emphasizes that persistence and patience can overcome even the most elusive challenges. In modern usage, you will hear it in doctor's waiting rooms, during technical support calls, and in educational environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between the internal emotional state and external social expectations. Understanding Geduld is key to understanding the German pace of life, which can sometimes feel slow due to bureaucratic or methodical processes, but is underpinned by a belief that things should be done correctly, which takes time.

Synonym Focus: Langmut: A more formal, almost biblical term for long-suffering patience. Ausdauer: Focuses more on physical or mental endurance over time.

Finally, the word is used to comfort others. Saying 'Hab Geduld' is a common way to reassure someone that their efforts will eventually pay off, or that a difficult period will pass. It is a word of resilience.

Using Geduld correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs it typically accompanies. In German, the most common construction is 'Geduld haben' (to have patience). You will also frequently encounter 'Geduld brauchen' (to need patience) and 'die Geduld verlieren' (to lose patience). Because it is an abstract noun, it is often used without an article, though the definite article 'die' is used when referring to patience as a specific concept or in certain idiomatic expressions.

With 'Haben': Ich habe keine Geduld mehr. (I have no more patience.) This is the most direct way to express your current state.
With 'Verlieren': Bitte verlieren Sie nicht die Geduld. (Please do not lose your patience.) Often used in formal service contexts.

When you want to specify who or what you are being patient with, you use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative case. For example, 'Geduld mit den Kindern' (patience with the children) or 'Geduld mit sich selbst' (patience with oneself). This is a crucial grammatical point for English speakers who might be tempted to use different prepositions.

Wir bitten um Ihre Geduld während der Bauarbeiten.

In this example, 'um etwas bitten' (to ask for something) is the governing structure. This is the standard way for businesses or public services to ask for patience. Note the use of the possessive pronoun 'Ihre' (your). Another common structure is using 'Geduld' as the subject of a sentence to describe its necessity. 'Geduld ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg' (Patience is the key to success). Here, it functions as a general truth. In more advanced usage, you might see 'Geduld' combined with adjectives to describe the type of patience. 'Eine Engelsgeduld' (the patience of an angel) is a very common idiom for someone who is exceptionally patient. Conversely, 'eine Engelsgeduld aufbringen' means to summon or muster that extreme level of patience.

Meine Geduld ist am Ende.

This phrase 'am Ende sein' (to be at the end) indicates that the person can no longer tolerate the situation. It is a strong statement, often used before taking action or expressing anger. In writing, especially in formal letters, you might see 'Wir danken Ihnen für Ihre Geduld' (We thank you for your patience). This is the standard closing when a process has taken longer than expected.

Prepositional Usage: Mit + Dativ: Geduld mit dem Partner haben. (To have patience with the partner.)
Verbal Phrases: Geduld beweisen (to prove/show patience), Geduld üben (to practice patience).

When constructing complex sentences, Geduld often appears in 'um...zu' clauses. 'Man muss viel Geduld haben, um diese Aufgabe zu lösen.' (One must have a lot of patience to solve this task.) This structure is very common in educational contexts. You will also find it in passive constructions, though less frequently: 'Hier ist viel Geduld gefragt' (Here, much patience is required). This 'gefragt sein' construction is a very idiomatic way to say something is needed or in demand. Overall, mastering 'Geduld' in sentences requires a good grasp of dative prepositions and common verb pairings.

In Germany, you will hear the word Geduld in a variety of everyday and professional settings. One of the most frequent places is in public transport. If a train is delayed, the announcement will often end with: 'Wir bitten um Ihre Geduld' (We ask for your patience). Similarly, in a doctor's waiting room, if the doctor is running behind schedule, the receptionist might say: 'Haben Sie bitte noch ein wenig Geduld' (Please have a little more patience).

Customer Service: Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld in der Warteschleife. (Thank you for your patience on hold.)
Parenting/Education: Du musst Geduld haben, das Essen ist gleich fertig. (You must have patience, the food is almost ready.)

You will also hear it in the context of learning and development. Teachers frequently use it with students: 'Hab Geduld mit dir selbst, Sprachenlernen braucht Zeit' (Have patience with yourself, language learning takes time). This reflects the cultural understanding that meaningful progress is not instantaneous. In the workplace, during long projects or bureaucratic processes, colleagues might remind each other: 'Wir brauchen hier einen langen Atem und viel Geduld' (We need staying power and a lot of patience here).

Die Geduld der Anwohner wird durch den Lärm auf die Probe gestellt.

This example shows how 'Geduld' is used in news reports or formal discussions about community issues. The phrase 'auf die Probe stellen' (to put to the test) is a very common collocation in journalistic German. Another place you'll hear it is in sports commentary, especially during strategic games like soccer or chess, where a team or player is 'waiting for their chance' (auf ihre Chance geduldig warten). In social settings, if someone is telling a long story and keeps getting interrupted, they might say: 'Habt doch bitte kurz Geduld, ich komme gleich zum Punkt' (Please have a little patience, I'll get to the point in a moment). It is also a staple in psychological and self-help contexts in Germany, where 'Achtsamkeit' (mindfulness) and 'Geduld' are taught as tools for modern stress management.

Ohne Geduld gibt es keine Meisterschaft.

This philosophical use of the word is common in biographies of famous German figures, from Goethe to Einstein, emphasizing that their achievements were the result of long-term dedication. In summary, 'Geduld' is ubiquitous because it touches on the universal human experience of waiting and the specific German cultural value of methodical persistence. Whether in a formal letter from the tax office or a whispered reminder to a toddler, the word serves as a constant reminder of the necessity of time.

English speakers often make several characteristic mistakes when using the word Geduld. The first and most common is a grammatical one: using the verb 'sein' (to be) instead of 'haben' (to have). In English, we say 'I am patient,' which leads learners to say 'Ich bin Geduld.' This is incorrect because 'Geduld' is a noun. You must either say 'Ich habe Geduld' (I have patience) or use the adjective 'Ich bin geduldig' (I am patient).

Incorrect Verb: Mistake: Ich bin Geduld. Correct: Ich habe Geduld or Ich bin geduldig.
Wrong Preposition: Mistake: Geduld für Kinder. Correct: Geduld mit Kindern (Patience with children).

Another frequent error involves prepositions. As mentioned, 'Geduld' takes 'mit' (with) in German. English speakers often try to translate 'patience for' directly as 'Geduld für,' which sounds unnatural in most contexts. For example, 'Ich habe keine Geduld für diesen Unsinn' is sometimes heard, but 'Ich habe keine Geduld mit diesem Unsinn' is much more standard.

Falsch: Bitte haben Sie Geduld für mich. Richtig: Bitte haben Sie Geduld mit mir.

Spelling is another area where mistakes occur. Beginners sometimes confuse 'Geduld' with similar-sounding words like 'Geld' (money) or 'Gefühl' (feeling) in fast speech, though they are written very differently. Additionally, because the 'd' at the end of 'Geduld' is pronounced like a 't' due to German final-obstruent devoicing (Auslautverhärtung), learners might be tempted to spell it 'Gedult.' It is important to remember it ends with a 'd'. Confusion also arises with the plural. While 'Gedulden' technically exists in very old or specialized texts, it is never used in modern German. If you want to talk about multiple instances of patience, you simply use the singular 'Geduld' or rephrase. Using 'Gedulden' will immediately mark you as a non-native speaker or someone reading a 17th-century poem.

Man kann nicht mehrere Gedulden haben.

This sentence is a reminder that the word is uncountable. Finally, some learners over-rely on the word 'Geduld' and forget that German has more specific words for different types of waiting. For example, if you are talking about physical stamina, 'Ausdauer' might be better. If you are talking about bearing a burden over a long time, 'Langmut' (though formal) might be the intended meaning. Using 'Geduld' for everything is a sign of a limited vocabulary.

Pronunciation Trap: The 'u' in Geduld is short, like in 'Hund'. Learners often try to make it long like in 'Schuh', which is incorrect.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your German sound much more natural and precise.

While Geduld is the most common word for patience, German offers several nuances through synonyms and related terms. Understanding these can help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most closely related adjective is geduldig (patient). If you are describing a person's character, this is the word to use: 'Er ist ein sehr geduldiger Mensch.'

Langmut: This word translates to 'forbearance' or 'long-suffering.' it is much more formal and often used in religious or philosophical contexts. It implies a deeper, more enduring form of patience against significant provocation.
Ausdauer: Translates to 'perseverance' or 'endurance.' While Geduld is about the *state* of waiting, Ausdauer is about the *action* of continuing despite difficulty. You need Ausdauer to run a marathon; you need Geduld to wait for the results.

Another interesting alternative is Beharrlichkeit (persistence/tenacity). This word emphasizes the 'stick-to-it-iveness' of a person. If someone keeps trying to solve a puzzle for hours, they are showing Beharrlichkeit. It is more active than Geduld.

Seine Beharrlichkeit zahlte sich am Ende aus.

In some contexts, Nachsicht (indulgence/leniency) can be a synonym for patience, specifically when you are being patient with someone's mistakes or flaws. 'Haben Sie Nachsicht mit ihm, er ist neu hier' means 'Be patient/lenient with him, he's new.' For a more negative or clinical connotation, Duldung (toleration) is used. This is less about the virtue of patience and more about the legal or official act of allowing something to happen without necessarily approving of it. For example, in immigration law, a 'Duldung' is a temporary suspension of deportation.

Mit Langmut ertrug er sein Schicksal.

This sentence sounds very literary. In daily life, you would just use Geduld.

Comparison: Geduld vs. Ausdauer: Geduld is passive (waiting for the bus). Ausdauer is active (training for a race).
Comparison: Geduld vs. Nachsicht: Geduld is about time and waiting. Nachsicht is about forgiveness and understanding of errors.

Finally, the word Gelassenheit (serenity/composure) is often mentioned alongside Geduld. While Geduld is the ability to wait, Gelassenheit is the calm state of mind while doing so. They are the two pillars of a 'stoic' personality in German thought. Knowing these distinctions allows you to describe human behavior with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word is related to the English word 'thole' (to endure), which is now archaic but still exists in some dialects.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡəˈdʊlt/

US /ɡəˈdʊlt/

The stress is on the second syllable: ge-DULD.

Rime avec

Schuld (debt/guilt) Huld (grace/favor) Pult (desk) Kult (cult) Tumult (tumult) Geduld (self-rhyme) erfüllt (fulfilled - near rhyme) enthüllt (revealed - near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'u' too long like in 'moon'.
Pronouncing the final 'd' as a soft 'd' instead of a 't'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'e' in 'ge-' too clear (it should be a weak schwa).
Confusing the word with 'Geld'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Écriture 2/5

Must remember it ends in 'd' and is feminine.

Expression orale 2/5

Final-d devoicing (sounds like 't') is important.

Écoute 1/5

Clear pronunciation, rarely confused.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

haben warten Zeit mit viel

Apprends ensuite

geduldig Ungeduld Ausdauer ruhig bitten

Avancé

Langmut Beharrlichkeit Gelassenheit Überstrapazieren Zermürben

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns following 'haben'

Ich habe Geduld. (No article needed for abstract nouns).

Preposition 'mit' + Dative

Geduld mit dem (Dative) Lehrer.

Final Devoicing

Geduld is pronounced with a /t/ sound at the end.

Feminine Noun Declension

Der Geduld (Genitive/Dative).

Compound Noun Linking

Geduld + s + Faden = Geduldsfaden.

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Exemples par niveau

Ich habe Geduld.

I have patience.

Noun + Verb 'haben'

Hast du Geduld?

Do you have patience?

Question form with 'haben'

Ein bisschen Geduld, bitte!

A little patience, please!

Imperative-like request

Sie braucht viel Geduld.

She needs a lot of patience.

Verb 'brauchen' + Noun

Geduld ist wichtig.

Patience is important.

Subject + 'sein' + Adjective

Wir haben keine Geduld mehr.

We have no more patience.

Negation with 'keine'

Haben Sie Geduld mit mir.

Have patience with me.

Imperative with preposition 'mit' + Dative

Geduld ist gut.

Patience is good.

Simple subject-predicate

Beim Lernen braucht man viel Geduld.

One needs a lot of patience when learning.

Impersonal 'man'

Er verliert oft die Geduld.

He often loses his patience.

Verb 'verlieren' + definite article

Bist du ein geduldiger Mensch?

Are you a patient person?

Adjective 'geduldig'

Vielen Dank für Ihre Geduld.

Thank you very much for your patience.

Preposition 'für' + Accusative

Man muss Geduld mit Kindern haben.

One must have patience with children.

Modal verb 'müssen'

Ohne Geduld geht es nicht.

It doesn't work without patience.

Preposition 'ohne' + Accusative

Meine Geduld ist fast am Ende.

My patience is almost at an end.

Idiomatic expression 'am Ende sein'

Sie übt sich in Geduld.

She is practicing patience.

Reflexive verb 'sich üben in' + Dative

Geduld bringt Rosen, sagt ein Sprichwort.

Patience brings roses, says a proverb.

Idiomatic proverb

Es erfordert viel Geduld, ein Instrument zu lernen.

It requires a lot of patience to learn an instrument.

Verb 'erfordern' + infinitive clause

Ich habe die Geduld verloren und bin gegangen.

I lost my patience and left.

Perfect tense

Mit ein wenig Geduld schaffen wir das.

With a little patience, we can do it.

Prepositional phrase as an adverbial

Seine Geduld wurde gestern auf die Probe gestellt.

His patience was put to the test yesterday.

Passive voice

Wir bitten die Fahrgäste um etwas Geduld.

We ask the passengers for some patience.

Verb 'bitten um' + Accusative

Geduld ist eine wichtige Eigenschaft.

Patience is an important quality.

Noun + 'sein' + Noun phrase

Manchmal fehlt mir einfach die Geduld.

Sometimes I simply lack the patience.

Verb 'fehlen' + Dative

Die Verhandlungen erfordern ein hohes Maß an Geduld.

The negotiations require a high degree of patience.

Complex noun phrase

Er bewies eine Engelsgeduld bei der Arbeit.

He showed the patience of an angel at work.

Idiom 'Engelsgeduld'

Irgendwann reißt jedem der Geduldsfaden.

At some point, everyone's thread of patience snaps.

Idiom 'Geduldsfaden reißen'

Geduld ist im Umgang mit Kunden unerlässlich.

Patience is essential in dealing with customers.

Adjective 'unerlässlich'

Man sollte die Geduld der Wähler nicht überstrapazieren.

One should not overstretch the patience of the voters.

Verb 'überstrapazieren'

Trotz seiner Geduld erreichte er das Ziel nicht.

Despite his patience, he did not reach the goal.

Preposition 'trotz' + Genitive

Sie müssen Geduld aufbringen, wenn Sie Erfolg haben wollen.

You must muster patience if you want to be successful.

Verb phrase 'Geduld aufbringen'

Seine Geduld scheint grenzenlos zu sein.

His patience seems to be boundless.

Verb 'scheinen' + zu-infinitive

Die stoische Geduld des alten Mannes war bewundernswert.

The old man's stoic patience was admirable.

Genitive attribute

Es bedarf einer gewissen Geduld, um diese Nuancen zu verstehen.

It requires a certain patience to understand these nuances.

Verb 'bedürfen' + Genitive

Seine Geduld wurde durch die Bürokratie zermürbt.

His patience was worn down by the bureaucracy.

Verb 'zermürben'

In der Politik ist Geduld oft eine strategische Notwendigkeit.

In politics, patience is often a strategic necessity.

Abstract concept application

Man darf Geduld nicht mit Gleichgültigkeit verwechseln.

One must not confuse patience with indifference.

Verb 'verwechseln mit'

Die langmütige Geduld der Bevölkerung ist bemerkenswert.

The long-suffering patience of the population is remarkable.

Compound adjective 'langmütig'

Geduld fungiert hier als Puffer gegen den Stress.

Patience acts here as a buffer against stress.

Metaphorical use

Er appellierte an die Geduld der Anwesenden.

He appealed to the patience of those present.

Verb 'appellieren an' + Accusative

Die Erosion der gesellschaftlichen Geduld ist ein besorgniserregendes Phänomen.

The erosion of societal patience is a worrying phenomenon.

Complex nominalization

Geduld offenbart sich hier als Form des passiven Widerstands.

Patience reveals itself here as a form of passive resistance.

Reflexive verb 'sich offenbaren'

In seinem Werk wird Geduld als transzendentale Tugend dargestellt.

In his work, patience is portrayed as a transcendental virtue.

Academic terminology

Die Geduldsprobe für die Diplomatie hält unvermindert an.

The test of patience for diplomacy continues unabated.

Compound noun 'Geduldsprobe'

Man muss die Geduld besitzen, den Dingen ihren Lauf zu lassen.

One must possess the patience to let things take their course.

Infinitive construction

Seine Geduld war das Resultat jahrelanger asketischer Disziplin.

His patience was the result of years of ascetic discipline.

Historical/biographical context

Die schiere Unendlichkeit des Projekts erforderte eine fast übermenschliche Geduld.

The sheer infinity of the project required an almost superhuman patience.

Intensifying adjective 'übermenschlich'

Geduld ist das Fundament, auf dem Weisheit gedeiht.

Patience is the foundation on which wisdom thrives.

Relative clause

Collocations courantes

Geduld haben

Geduld verlieren

Geduld brauchen

Geduld beweisen

Geduld üben

Engelsgeduld

Geduldsfaden

Geduldsprobe

um Geduld bitten

mit Geduld

Phrases Courantes

Hab Geduld!

— Be patient! A common command to friends or children.

Hab Geduld, wir sind gleich da.

Nur Geduld!

— Just be patient! A reassuring phrase used when someone is rushing.

Nur Geduld, das wird schon.

Geduld ist eine Tugend.

— Patience is a virtue. A standard proverb.

Denk daran: Geduld ist eine Tugend.

Die Geduld am Ende sein.

— To be at the end of one's patience.

Meine Geduld ist jetzt am Ende.

Viel Geduld wünschen.

— To wish someone a lot of patience.

Ich wünsche dir viel Geduld für die Prüfung.

Sich in Geduld fassen.

— To compose oneself and be patient.

Wir müssen uns in Geduld fassen.

Geduld zahlt sich aus.

— Patience pays off.

Am Ende zahlt sich Geduld immer aus.

Keine Geduld für etwas haben.

— To have no patience for something.

Ich habe keine Geduld für Lügen.

Die Geduld strapazieren.

— To strain someone's patience.

Du strapazierst meine Geduld wirklich.

Mit Engelsgeduld erklären.

— To explain something with extreme patience.

Die Lehrerin erklärte es mit Engelsgeduld.

Souvent confondu avec

Geduld vs Geld

Sounds similar but means 'money'. Don't ask for 'Ihre Geld' when you want 'Ihre Geduld'!

Geduld vs Gefühl

Means 'feeling'. Both start with 'Ge-' but are very different.

Geduld vs Gültig

Means 'valid'. Often seen on tickets, but unrelated to patience.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Der Geduldsfaden reißt."

— To lose one's temper after waiting a long time.

Wenn er das noch einmal macht, reißt mein Geduldsfaden.

informal

"Geduld bringt Rosen."

— Everything comes to those who wait; patience leads to good results.

Warte ab, Geduld bringt Rosen.

neutral

"Eine Engelsgeduld haben."

— To have the patience of an angel; extreme patience.

Meine Mutter hat eine Engelsgeduld mit uns.

neutral

"Sich in Geduld üben."

— To consciously practice being patient.

In dieser Situation muss man sich in Geduld üben.

neutral

"Die Geduld auf die Goldwaage legen."

— To test or weigh someone's patience very carefully (rare but used).

Er legte meine Geduld auf die Goldwaage.

literary

"Geduld und Spucke."

— Patience and effort (literally: spit) will get the job done.

Mit Geduld und Spucke klappt das.

informal

"Jemanden um seine Geduld bringen."

— To make someone lose their patience.

Dieser Lärm bringt mich um meine Geduld.

neutral

"In Geduld ausharren."

— To wait something out patiently despite hardship.

Sie harrten in Geduld auf Hilfe aus.

formal

"Seine Geduld ist ein Fass ohne Boden."

— His patience is like a bottomless pit (never-ending).

Er hat eine Geduld wie ein Fass ohne Boden.

informal

"Geduld ist der Schlüssel zur Freude."

— Patience is the key to joy.

Ein altes Sprichwort sagt: Geduld ist der Schlüssel zur Freude.

neutral

Facile à confondre

Geduld vs geduldig

Adjective vs Noun

Geduld is the thing you have; geduldig is what you are.

Ich bin geduldig. Ich habe Geduld.

Geduld vs Ausdauer

Similar meaning

Ausdauer is about long-term effort; Geduld is about waiting calmly.

Er hat Ausdauer beim Laufen, aber keine Geduld im Stau.

Geduld vs Beharrlichkeit

Similar meaning

Beharrlichkeit is stubborn persistence; Geduld is calm waiting.

Seine Beharrlichkeit half ihm, das Rätsel zu lösen.

Geduld vs Nachsicht

Overlap in usage

Nachsicht is specifically patience with someone's flaws/errors.

Der Lehrer übte Nachsicht mit dem Schüler.

Geduld vs Duldung

Same root

Duldung is a legal or formal tolerance, not a personal virtue.

Er hat eine Duldung vom Amt erhalten.

Structures de phrases

Ich habe [Adjektiv] Geduld.

Ich habe viel Geduld.

Man braucht Geduld, um [Verb].

Man braucht Geduld, um zu warten.

Haben Sie Geduld mit [Dativ]!

Haben Sie Geduld mit den Studenten!

Meine Geduld ist [Präpositionalphrase].

Meine Geduld ist am Ende.

Die Geduld [Genitiv] wurde geprüft.

Die Geduld der Bürger wurde geprüft.

Sich in Geduld [Verb].

Man muss sich in Geduld üben.

[Substantiv] erfordert ein hohes Maß an Geduld.

Die Forschung erfordert ein hohes Maß an Geduld.

Geduld als [Nomen].

Geduld als Fundament des Erfolgs.

Famille de mots

Noms

Ungeduld (impatience)

Geduldsfaden (thread of patience)

Geduldsprobe (test of patience)

Verbes

dulden (to tolerate)

erdulden (to endure)

gedulden (reflexive: to be patient)

Adjectifs

geduldig (patient)

ungeduldig (impatient)

duldsam (tolerant)

Apparenté

Ausdauer

Beharrlichkeit

Langmut

Toleranz

Warten

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written German.

Erreurs courantes

Ich bin Geduld. → Ich habe Geduld.
Geduld is a noun, not an adjective. You 'have' it.
Geduld für dich. → Geduld mit dir.
The preposition for patience in German is 'mit' + Dative.
Haben Sie Gedult. → Haben Sie Geduld.
Spelling error: It ends in 'd', even though it sounds like 't'.
Ich habe keine Gedulden. → Ich habe keine Geduld.
Geduld has no plural form in modern German usage.
Er ist sehr Geduld. → Er ist sehr geduldig.
When using 'sein' with 'sehr', you need the adjective 'geduldig'.

Astuces

Noun capitalization

Always capitalize Geduld. In German, all nouns are capitalized, and forgetting this is a common beginner mistake.

Bürokratie

When dealing with German offices, always bring 'viel Geduld'. It is expected that things take time.

The short U

Keep the 'u' sound short and clipped. If you make it too long, it sounds like a different word.

Don't pluralize

Even if you are talking about many people's patience, keep it singular: 'Die Geduld der Leute'.

Use 'haben'

Try to default to 'Geduld haben' instead of 'geduldig sein' to sound more like a native speaker.

Geduldsfaden

Use the 'Geduldsfaden' metaphor to express frustration in a colorful, native way.

Formal requests

In emails, use 'Wir bitten um Ihre Geduld' to politely explain a delay.

Reassuring others

Saying 'Nur Geduld' is a very kind and common way to calm someone down.

CEFR A1 tip

For your A1 exam, just remember 'Ich habe Geduld' and 'Geduld mit mir'.

Workplace

Showing Geduld in a German office is seen as a sign of professional maturity.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Geduld' as 'Good-Old' patience. It takes a 'Good Old' amount of time to learn German!

Association visuelle

Imagine a person sitting under a tree, waiting for a single apple to fall. That is Geduld.

Word Web

Warten Ruhig Zeit Haben Verlieren Kind Lernen Erfolg

Défi

Try to go through a whole supermarket checkout line without checking your phone. That is a Geduld exercise!

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German 'gedult' and Old High German 'gidult'. It is related to the verb 'dulden' (to tolerate/endure).

Sens originel : The ability to bear or endure suffering or waiting.

Germanic.

Contexte culturel

None. It is a positive, neutral word.

English speakers might use 'patience' more as an adjective ('be patient'), whereas Germans use the noun ('Geduld haben').

Geduld bringt Rosen (Proverb) Die Geduld ist das Gebet der Verzweifelten (German proverb) Wilhelm Busch's poems often mock the lack of Geduld.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Doctor

Wie lange dauert es?
Haben Sie Geduld.
Viel Geduld im Wartezimmer.
Die Geduld verlieren.

Public Transport

Der Zug hat Verspätung.
Wir bitten um Geduld.
Keine Geduld für Verspätungen.
Geduld haben.

Learning

Sprachen brauchen Zeit.
Geduld mit sich selbst.
Geduld beim Üben.
Geduld zahlt sich aus.

Parenting

Warte kurz.
Hab Geduld!
Engelsgeduld mit Kindern.
Der Geduldsfaden reißt.

Work

Ein langes Projekt.
Wir brauchen Geduld.
Geduld bei Verhandlungen.
Geduld beweisen.

Amorces de conversation

"Findest du, dass du ein geduldiger Mensch bist?"

"Wann hast du das letzte Mal die Geduld verloren?"

"Braucht man beim Deutschlernen viel Geduld?"

"Was ist für dich eine echte Geduldsprobe?"

"Haben die Menschen heute weniger Geduld als früher?"

Sujets d'écriture

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du viel Geduld haben musstest.

Ist Geduld für dich eine Stärke oder eine Schwäche? Warum?

Wie kann man lernen, mehr Geduld im Alltag zu haben?

Beschreibe eine Person, die eine 'Engelsgeduld' hat.

Warum ist Geduld in deiner Kultur wichtig (oder nicht wichtig)?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Geduld is always feminine: die Geduld. This is important for articles and adjectives.

You can say 'Ich bin geduldig' (adjective) or 'Ich habe Geduld' (noun). Both are correct.

In modern German, Geduld has no plural. You just use the singular form.

Yes, it is the primary word for patience in almost all contexts.

It literally means 'thread of patience'. It's used to describe how much patience you have left.

Use 'mit' followed by the dative case: 'Geduld mit dem Kind' (patience with the child).

Yes, it is extremely common and one of the first nouns learners should know.

It's a compound noun meaning 'angel-patience', used for someone who is very, very patient.

Yes, this is a very common and correct way to say 'I need patience'.

The most common opposite is 'Ungeduld' (impatience).

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