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B1 adjective #8,500 mais comum 9 min de leitura

leidvoll

Top 8,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas leidvoll em 30 segundos

Explicação leidvoll in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'leidvoll' is a very advanced word that you usually won't need to use yourself. However, it is good to recognize the root 'Leid' (suffering) and 'voll' (full). If you see this word, just think of it as a very strong version of 'traurig' (sad). In A1, we focus on simple emotions like 'Ich bin traurig' (I am sad). 'Leidvoll' is more like 'full of sadness.' You might see it in a simple story about a sad king or a lost dog. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet; just remember it means something is very, very sad and difficult. It is an adjective, so it describes things, like a 'leidvolle Geschichte' (a very sad story).

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By A2, you are starting to learn more adjectives to describe experiences. 'Leidvoll' is a word you might encounter in reading passages about history or people's lives. It is important to distinguish it from 'leider' (unfortunately). While 'leider' is a small word you use every day, 'leidvoll' is a 'big' word for serious situations. You can use it to describe a difficult time in someone's life, like 'Es war eine leidvolle Zeit' (It was a painful time). At this level, you should start noticing how the endings change, like 'ein leidvoller Tag' (a painful day) or 'eine leidvolle Woche' (a painful week). It's a great word to have in your passive vocabulary for when you watch the news or read simple German news articles.

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At the B1 level, 'leidvoll' is a word you should be able to understand and occasionally use in writing, especially when discussing social issues, history, or deep personal experiences. It is a 'level-up' word from 'schmerzhaft' or 'traurig.' It describes something that is 'full of suffering.' For example, if you are talking about the history of your country or a difficult period in your life, 'leidvoll' adds a layer of seriousness and empathy. You should know that it is often used with nouns like 'Erfahrung' (experience), 'Erinnerung' (memory), or 'Weg' (path). This word helps you express more complex feelings in your B1 speaking and writing exams, showing the examiner that you can handle more than just basic vocabulary. It belongs to the category of 'expressive adjectives' that make your German sound more natural and mature.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances of 'leidvoll.' You understand that it is a high-register word used in formal contexts, literature, and journalism. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'qualvoll' (agonizing) and 'schmerzlich' (painful/saddening). At this stage, you should be able to use 'leidvoll' in essays about literature or society. For instance, you might analyze a character's 'leidvolle Entwicklung' (painful development). You also recognize its use in political discourse, particularly regarding historical responsibility. Your declension of the word should be automatic, and you should be able to use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Trotz der leidvollen Erfahrungen der Vergangenheit blickt das Volk mutig in die Zukunft' (Despite the painful experiences of the past, the people look bravely into the future).

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For C1 learners, 'leidvoll' is a tool for precision. You use it to evoke a specific kind of atmosphere—one of dignified suffering or historical weight. You are aware of the word's placement in the semantic field of 'suffering' and choose it over 'elend' or 'jämmerlich' when you want to emphasize the depth and fullness of the experience rather than its pathetic nature. You can use it in academic writing or sophisticated literary analysis. You might discuss the 'leidvolle Ambivalenz' (painful ambivalence) of a situation or the 'leidvolle Notwendigkeit' (painful necessity) of a certain action. At this level, you also understand the rhetorical power of the word in speeches and how it can be used to build empathy in an audience. You are also familiar with related idioms and fixed expressions where 'Leid' appears.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'leidvoll.' You understand its etymological roots and its resonance in German intellectual history. You can use it with subtle irony or within highly complex philosophical arguments. You might explore how the 'leidvolle Existenz' (sorrowful existence) is portrayed in 20th-century German philosophy or literature. You are sensitive to the word's rhythm in a sentence and its ability to slow down the pace of a narrative, giving the reader time to reflect on the gravity of what is being described. You can effortlessly switch between 'leidvoll,' 'schmerzerfüllt,' 'gepeinigt,' and 'gramgebeugt,' knowing exactly which word captures the specific shade of suffering required by the context. Your use of 'leidvoll' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker.

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leidvoll em 30 segundos

An adjective meaning 'full of suffering' or 'profoundly painful,' used for serious emotional or historical contexts.
Rooted in 'Leid' (suffering) and '-voll' (full), emphasizing a deep, pervasive state of sorrow.
Commonly modifies nouns like experience (Erfahrung), past (Vergangenheit), and path (Weg).
High-register word found in news, literature, and formal speeches rather than casual slang.

The German adjective leidvoll is a poignant and evocative term used to describe experiences, periods of time, or emotions that are saturated with suffering, sorrow, or profound pain. Rooted in the noun das Leid (suffering/sorrow) and the suffix -voll (full), it literally translates to 'full of suffering.' While the English word 'painful' often covers both physical and emotional states, leidvoll leans heavily toward the existential, emotional, and historical dimensions of human hardship. It is a word you encounter when discussing the weight of the human condition, the aftermath of a tragedy, or a long, difficult struggle that has left deep scars on the soul.

Emotional Depth: It describes a state where suffering is not just a fleeting moment but a pervasive quality of an experience. For example, a 'leidvolle Erfahrung' (painful experience) suggests something that has deeply affected a person's well-being over time.
Historical Context: In German history and literature, this word is frequently used to describe the 'leidvolle Geschichte' (sorrowful history) of wars, displacement, and social upheaval, emphasizing the collective trauma of a people.
Literary Register: While understood by everyone, it carries a certain gravity that makes it more common in written reports, literature, and formal speeches than in casual, everyday 'slang' conversations.

Nach dem Krieg blickten die Menschen auf eine leidvolle Vergangenheit zurück, die von Verlust und Entbehrung geprägt war.

Using leidvoll signals to your listener that you are acknowledging the gravity of a situation. It is not used for trivial inconveniences like a stubbed toe or a lost set of keys; rather, it is reserved for the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or the endurance of a chronic illness. It captures the 'fullness' of the grief, implying that there is little room for anything else in that specific moment or memory. In a cultural sense, Germans use this word to maintain a respectful distance while still showing deep empathy for a tragedy.

Der Abschied von seiner Heimat war für ihn ein leidvoller Prozess, der viele Jahre dauerte.

Furthermore, leidvoll is often paired with nouns like Erinnerung (memory) or Weg (path/way). A 'leidvoller Weg' is a metaphorical journey through hardship. It suggests that the path was not just difficult (schwierig), but that every step was marked by suffering. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners: 'schwierig' is about effort, while 'leidvoll' is about the emotional price paid during that effort. When you use this word, you are painting a picture of human resilience in the face of significant adversity.

Integrating leidvoll into your German requires an understanding of adjective declension and the contexts that justify such a strong word. Because it is an adjective, its ending changes based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes. Whether you are using it in the nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive, the root remains leidvoll-, but the suffix will shift to match the grammatical environment.

Attributive Use: When placed before a noun: 'Eine leidvolle Erfahrung' (A painful experience). Here, it directly modifies the noun and requires the correct adjective ending (in this case, '-e' for feminine nominative with an indefinite article).
Predicative Use: When following a verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become): 'Die Zeit nach dem Unfall war leidvoll.' In this position, the adjective does not take an ending.

Wir müssen diese leidvolle Lektion lernen, um in der Zukunft bessere Entscheidungen zu treffen.

One of the most common ways to use leidvoll is in the comparative and superlative forms, though these are rarer because 'suffering' is often viewed as an absolute. However, you might hear 'leidvoller' (more painful) or 'am leidvollsten' (most painful) in literary comparisons of different historical epochs or personal tragedies. For example: 'Nichts ist leidvoller als der Verlust eines Kindes' (Nothing is more painful than the loss of a child). This highlights the word's utility in expressing the hierarchy of human sorrow.

Seine leidvollen Augen erzählten eine Geschichte, die Worte nicht ausdrücken konnten.

In more advanced usage, leidvoll can be used to describe abstract concepts like 'leidvolle Erkenntnis' (a painful realization). This refers to the moment when one understands a harsh truth that causes emotional distress. It is also found in religious or philosophical texts discussing the nature of existence. By using this word correctly, you demonstrate a command of German that goes beyond basic survival phrases and enters the realm of nuanced emotional expression.

You are unlikely to hear leidvoll shouted across a busy beer garden or used by teenagers discussing a bad grade. Instead, this word lives in the more somber, reflective corners of German life. It is a staple of 'Tagesschau' (the national news) when reporting on humanitarian crises, natural disasters, or the anniversaries of historical tragedies. It provides a dignified way for journalists to describe the scale of human misery without resorting to sensationalism.

Die Nachrichten berichteten über die leidvolle Situation der Geflüchteten an der Grenze.

In the world of German literature—from the classics of Goethe and Schiller to modern novelists like Bernhard Schlink—leidvoll is used to plumb the depths of character motivation. It describes the 'leidvolle Seele' (sorrowful soul) or the 'leidvolle Schicksal' (painful fate) of protagonists caught in impossible situations. If you are reading a German novel and a character reflects on their past, you will almost certainly see this word appearing as they recount their struggles.

Documentaries: Narrators often use it to describe the lives of people living under oppressive regimes or during the 'leidvolle Jahre' (painful years) of the World Wars.
Funerals and Eulogies: A speaker might refer to the 'leidvolle Zeit der Krankheit' (painful time of illness) that the deceased endured, acknowledging the struggle with gravity and respect.

Another place you will encounter leidvoll is in political speeches, particularly those centered around 'Vergangenheitsbewältigung' (struggle to come to terms with the past). German politicians often use the word when visiting memorials or sites of former concentration camps to describe the 'leidvolle Geschichte' that must never be forgotten. It serves as a linguistic bridge between the present and a difficult past, ensuring that the emotional weight of history is carried forward.

In seiner Rede betonte der Präsident die leidvollen Erfahrungen der Opfer.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning German is confusing leidvoll with the adverb leider. While they both share the root 'Leid,' they function very differently in a sentence. Leider means 'unfortunately' and is used to express regret about a fact: 'Leider habe ich kein Geld.' You cannot replace this with leidvoll, as leidvoll is an adjective describing a state of being or a noun's quality.

Falsch: Ich bin leidvoll, dass ich zu spät komme.
Richtig: Es tut mir leid, dass ich zu spät komme.

Another common pitfall is using leidvoll when schmerzhaft (painful) would be more appropriate. While they are often synonyms, schmerzhaft is the standard word for physical pain (e.g., a broken arm) or a sharp emotional sting. Leidvoll is much heavier and implies a long-lasting, deep-seated suffering. Using leidvoll for a minor physical injury sounds overly dramatic and can even come across as sarcastic or confusing to native speakers.

Confusing with 'Leidlich': The word leidlich looks similar but means 'tolerable' or 'passable.' Saying 'Das Essen war leidlich' means the food was okay, while 'Das Essen war leidvoll' would mean the food caused profound spiritual suffering (unlikely!).
Overusing the Word: Because it is a high-register word, using it in casual conversation can make you sound like a 19th-century poet. Save it for serious discussions or written work.

Learners also struggle with the declension of leidvoll when it is used as an attribute. Because it is a longer adjective, it's easy to forget the correct endings. Remember the 'weak,' 'strong,' and 'mixed' declension rules. For instance, after 'ein,' it's 'ein leidvoller Weg' (masculine), but after 'der,' it's 'der leidvolle Weg.' Consistency in these endings is what separates a B1 learner from a C1 speaker.

Sie hatte eine leidvolle Miene (expression), als sie die Nachricht erhielt.

German is rich with words for pain and suffering, each carrying a different flavor. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the exact 'temperature' of the emotion you want to convey. Leidvoll sits at the intersection of 'fullness' and 'sorrow,' but sometimes you need something sharper or more specific.

Schmerzhaft vs. Leidvoll: Schmerzhaft is the general word for 'painful.' It can be physical (a schmerzhaft injection) or emotional (a schmerzhaft breakup). Leidvoll is more poetic and suggests a burden that is carried over time.
Qualvoll: This word comes from die Qual (torture/agony). It is even stronger than leidvoll. A 'qualvoller Tod' is an agonizing death. It implies intense, almost unbearable struggle.
Betrüblich: This is a softer alternative, meaning 'saddening' or 'regrettable.' It’s often used in formal correspondence to describe bad news that isn't necessarily life-shattering.

Während schmerzhaft den akuten Schmerz betont, beschreibt leidvoll den Zustand des Erleidens.

If you want to describe something that is just 'sad,' use traurig. If you want to describe something 'miserable,' use elend or jämmerlich. Elend often refers to physical conditions or poverty, while jämmerlich can mean 'pitiful' or 'pathetic.' Leidvoll remains the most dignified and profound of these choices, often used to honor the depth of someone's experience rather than just describing their outward appearance.

Der Bericht schildert die bittere und leidvolle Realität des Krieges.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'Leid' is the root of 'Beileid' (condolences). When you give someone your 'Beileid', you are literally offering your 'by-suffering' or 'with-suffering'.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈlaɪ̯tfɔl/

US /ˈlaɪtfɔl/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: LEID-voll.

Rima com

freudvoll neidvoll zeitvoll gnadenvoll prachtvoll machtvoll glanzvoll angstvoll

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' (it should be an 'f' sound).
Pronouncing the 'd' as a voiced 'd' instead of a 't' (Leit-voll).
Dragging out the 'o' in 'voll' (it should be short).
Confusing the 'ei' sound with 'ie' (Lied-voll, which would mean 'full of songs').
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'Leid' and 'voll'.

Escrita 4/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and correct register.

Expressão oral 4/5

Pronunciation of 'v' as 'f' and 'd' as 't' is tricky for beginners.

Audição 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually helps in formal contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Leid voll schmerzhaft traurig leiden

Aprenda a seguir

qualvoll betrüblich schmerzlich Vergangenheitsbewältigung Schicksal

Avançado

gramgebeugt notleidend kummerbeladen peinvoll wehmütig

Gramática essencial

Adjective Declension (Weak/Strong/Mixed)

Ein leidvoller (strong) Tag, der leidvolle (weak) Tag.

Final-Obstruent Devoicing (Auslautverhärtung)

Leid ends in 'd' but sounds like 't' in leidvoll.

Suffix -voll

Adding -voll to a noun creates an adjective (e.g., machtvoll, prachtvoll).

Genitive Case with Adjectives

Trotz leidvoller Umstände (Genitive plural).

Comparative/Superlative Forms

Leidvoller, am leidvollsten.

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Exemplos por nível

Die Geschichte ist sehr leidvoll.

The story is very painful/full of suffering.

Predicative use: 'ist' + adjective (no ending).

Es war ein leidvoller Tag.

It was a painful day.

Attributive use: masculine nominative with 'ein' ends in -er.

Sie hat leidvolle Augen.

She has sorrowful eyes.

Plural accusative adjective ending -e.

Das ist eine leidvolle Zeit.

That is a painful time.

Feminine nominative with 'eine' ends in -e.

Warum ist der Film so leidvoll?

Why is the movie so full of suffering?

Question structure with predicative adjective.

Sein Abschied war leidvoll.

His goodbye was painful.

Subject + verb + adjective.

Ich lese ein leidvolles Buch.

I am reading a painful book.

Neuter accusative with 'ein' ends in -es.

Die Musik klingt leidvoll.

The music sounds sorrowful.

Verb 'klingen' + adjective.

Wir erinnern uns an die leidvolle Vergangenheit.

We remember the painful past.

Feminine accusative with definite article 'die' ends in -e.

Nach dem Unfall folgte eine leidvolle Phase.

A painful phase followed after the accident.

Nominative feminine ending -e.

Er erzählte von seinen leidvollen Erlebnissen.

He told of his painful experiences.

Dative plural with possessive 'seinen' ends in -en.

Das war eine leidvolle Erfahrung für das Kind.

That was a painful experience for the child.

Indefinite article + feminine noun.

Die leidvollen Jahre sind endlich vorbei.

The painful years are finally over.

Plural nominative with definite article ends in -en.

Sie blickt auf ein leidvolles Leben zurück.

She looks back on a life full of suffering.

Accusative neuter with 'ein' ends in -es.

Der Brief enthielt leidvolle Nachrichten.

The letter contained painful news.

Plural accusative without article ends in -e.

Es ist eine leidvolle, aber wichtige Lektion.

It is a painful but important lesson.

Coordinate adjectives modifying a noun.

Viele Flüchtlinge haben einen leidvollen Weg hinter sich.

Many refugees have a painful path behind them.

Accusative masculine with 'einen' ends in -en.

Die Trennung war für beide Partner sehr leidvoll.

The separation was very painful for both partners.

Predicative use with 'war'.

Wir müssen aus dieser leidvollen Geschichte lernen.

We must learn from this painful history.

Dative feminine with demonstrative 'dieser' ends in -en.

Es gibt viele leidvolle Momente in diesem Film.

There are many painful moments in this movie.

Plural accusative without article ends in -e.

Trotz der leidvollen Umstände blieb sie optimistisch.

Despite the painful circumstances, she remained optimistic.

Genitive plural with 'der' ends in -en.

Er beschrieb seine Krankheit als leidvollen Prozess.

He described his illness as a painful process.

Accusative masculine with 'als' + 'einen' (implied) ends in -en.

Das Denkmal erinnert an eine leidvolle Zeit.

The monument commemorates a painful time.

Accusative feminine with 'eine' ends in -e.

Niemand möchte eine so leidvolle Erfahrung machen.

No one wants to have such a painful experience.

Adverb 'so' + adjective ending.

Die leidvolle Wahrheit kam erst Jahre später ans Licht.

The painful truth only came to light years later.

Nominative feminine with 'die' ends in -e.

Der Roman schildert das leidvolle Schicksal einer Familie.

The novel depicts the painful fate of a family.

Accusative neuter with 'das' ends in -e.

Sie musste die leidvolle Erkenntnis gewinnen, dass sie sich geirrt hatte.

She had to gain the painful realization that she had been wrong.

Accusative feminine with 'die' ends in -e.

Nach Jahren leidvoller Arbeit erreichte er endlich sein Ziel.

After years of painful work, he finally reached his goal.

Genitive feminine without article ends in -er.

Es war ein leidvoller Abschied für die gesamte Gemeinde.

It was a painful farewell for the entire community.

Nominative masculine with 'ein' ends in -er.

Diese leidvollen Bilder werden wir nie vergessen.

We will never forget these painful images.

Accusative plural with 'diese' ends in -en.

Die Dokumentation zeigt die leidvolle Realität des Bürgerkriegs.

The documentary shows the painful reality of the civil war.

Accusative feminine with 'die' ends in -e.

Er blickte mit einem leidvollen Lächeln auf sein altes Haus.

He looked at his old house with a sorrowful smile.

Dative neuter with 'einem' ends in -en.

Die leidvolle Ambivalenz seiner Gefühle zerriss ihn innerlich.

The painful ambivalence of his feelings tore him apart inside.

Complex noun phrase with abstract noun.

In seinem Werk thematisiert der Autor die leidvolle Existenz des modernen Menschen.

In his work, the author addresses the painful existence of modern man.

Accusative feminine with 'die' ends in -e.

Es ist eine leidvolle Notwendigkeit, der wir uns stellen müssen.

It is a painful necessity that we must face.

Relative clause following the adjective phrase.

Die leidvollen Konsequenzen dieser Entscheidung waren nicht absehbar.

The painful consequences of this decision were not foreseeable.

Nominative plural with 'die' ends in -en.

Trotz leidvoller Rückschläge gab der Forscher niemals auf.

Despite painful setbacks, the researcher never gave up.

Genitive plural without article ends in -er.

Sein leidvoller Gesang hallte durch die leeren Straßen.

His sorrowful singing echoed through the empty streets.

Nominative masculine with possessive 'sein' ends in -er.

Die leidvolle Stille im Raum war kaum zu ertragen.

The painful silence in the room was hard to bear.

Nominative feminine with 'die' ends in -e.

Wir gedenken der leidvollen Opfer dieses grausamen Regimes.

We commemorate the suffering victims of this cruel regime.

Genitive plural with 'der' ends in -en.

Die leidvolle Dialektik von Fortschritt und Zerstörung prägt unser Zeitalter.

The painful dialectic of progress and destruction shapes our age.

Academic context with abstract conceptual nouns.

In jener leidvollen Epoche schien jede Hoffnung verloren.

In that painful epoch, all hope seemed lost.

Dative feminine with 'jener' ends in -en.

Die leidvolle Erkenntnis der eigenen Endlichkeit ist ein zentrales Motiv.

The painful realization of one's own finitude is a central motif.

Genitive construction with 'der eigenen Endlichkeit'.

Sein leidvoller Blick verriet eine Tiefe des Schmerzes, die jenseits aller Worte lag.

His sorrowful gaze revealed a depth of pain that lay beyond all words.

Complex sentence with metaphorical language.

Es war ein leidvoller, fast schon sakraler Moment des Gedenkens.

It was a painful, almost sacred moment of remembrance.

Coordinate adjectives with adverbial qualification.

Die leidvolle Bürde der Verantwortung lastete schwer auf seinen Schultern.

The painful burden of responsibility weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Metaphorical use of 'Bürde' (burden).

Oftmals entspringt wahre Kunst einer leidvollen Auseinandersetzung mit der Welt.

Often, true art arises from a painful confrontation with the world.

Dative feminine with 'einer' ends in -en.

Die leidvolle Ironie des Schicksals wollte es, dass er genau dort scheiterte.

The painful irony of fate willed it that he failed exactly there.

Fixed expression 'Ironie des Schicksals'.

Colocações comuns

leidvolle Erfahrung

leidvolle Vergangenheit

leidvoller Abschied

leidvolle Erinnerung

leidvoller Weg

leidvolle Geschichte

leidvolle Zeit

leidvolle Erkenntnis

leidvolle Miene

leidvolle Realität

Frases Comuns

Auf leidvolle Weise

— In a painful way. Used to describe how a lesson was learned.

Er lernte auf leidvolle Weise, wem er vertrauen kann.

Eine leidvolle Pflicht

— A painful duty. Something that must be done despite causing sorrow.

Es war seine leidvolle Pflicht, die Nachricht zu überbringen.

Leidvolle Tage verbringen

— To spend painful days. Describing a period of grief.

Sie verbrachten viele leidvolle Tage im Krankenhaus.

Aus leidvoller Erfahrung sprechen

— To speak from painful experience. Showing authority on a difficult topic.

Ich spreche aus leidvoller Erfahrung, wenn ich das sage.

Ein leidvolles Ende nehmen

— To come to a painful end. Describing a failed project or life.

Die Beziehung nahm ein leidvolles Ende.

Leidvolle Stunden

— Painful hours. Usually referring to waiting or worrying.

Wir erlebten leidvolle Stunden des Wartens.

Leidvolle Verluste

— Painful losses. Used in business or personal life.

Das Unternehmen musste leidvolle Verluste hinnehmen.

Leidvolle Bilder

— Painful images. Often referring to news footage.

Die leidvollen Bilder aus dem Kriegsgebiet schockierten die Welt.

Leidvolle Trennung

— Painful separation. Usually of people or families.

Die leidvolle Trennung der Geschwister dauerte Jahre.

Leidvolle Suche

— Painful search. Looking for something lost with great distress.

Die leidvolle Suche nach den Vermissten geht weiter.

Frequentemente confundido com

leidvoll vs leider

Leider is an adverb (unfortunately), leidvoll is an adjective (painful).

leidvoll vs leidlich

Leidlich means 'tolerable' or 'okay,' not 'full of suffering'.

leidvoll vs leidig

Leidig means 'annoying' or 'unpleasant' (e.g., a tiresome topic).

Expressões idiomáticas

"Ein leidvolles Kapitel abschließen"

— To close a painful chapter. Moving on from a difficult period.

Mit dem Umzug wollte sie ein leidvolles Kapitel abschließen.

neutral

"Geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid"

— Shared sorrow is half sorrow. (While not using 'leidvoll', it's the core concept).

Komm, erzähl mir davon; geteiltes Leid ist halbes Leid.

informal

"Sein Leid klagen"

— To lament one's suffering to someone else.

Er klagte ihr sein ganzes leidvolles Schicksal.

neutral

"Das Leid der Welt auf den Schultern tragen"

— To carry the suffering of the world on one's shoulders.

Er sieht aus, als würde er das leidvolle Erbe der Welt tragen.

literary

"Ein Lied davon singen können"

— To be able to sing a song about it (to know all about a painful topic from experience).

Über leidvolle Prüfungen kann ich ein Lied singen.

informal

"Leid und Freud teilen"

— To share sorrow and joy. Used in marriages or deep friendships.

In einer guten Ehe teilt man leidvolle und freudvolle Momente.

neutral

"Jemandem sein Leid gestehen"

— To confess one's suffering or problems to someone.

In einer leidvollen Stunde gestand er ihm alles.

formal

"Das bittere Ende"

— The bitter end (often associated with a leidvoller process).

Sie hielten bis zum leidvollen, bitteren Ende durch.

neutral

"In Sack und Asche gehen"

— To go in sackcloth and ashes (to show extreme, leidvolle penance).

Nach dem Fehler musste er leidvoll in Sack und Asche gehen.

literary

"Ein Tal der Tränen"

— A valley of tears (a leidvolle phase of life).

Er musste erst durch ein leidvolles Tal der Tränen gehen.

literary

Fácil de confundir

leidvoll vs schmerzhaft

Both mean 'painful'.

Schmerzhaft is more physical or acute; leidvoll is more emotional and enduring.

Eine schmerzhafte Spritze vs. eine leidvolle Kindheit.

leidvoll vs traurig

Both relate to sadness.

Traurig is general and simple; leidvoll is heavy, serious, and formal.

Ich bin traurig vs. Es war eine leidvolle Zeit.

leidvoll vs qualvoll

Both describe suffering.

Qualvoll implies intense, active agony or torture; leidvoll is more about the state of being full of sorrow.

Ein qualvoller Kampf vs. ein leidvolles Leben.

leidvoll vs elend

Both describe misery.

Elend often implies poverty or a wretched physical state; leidvoll is more about emotional/spiritual weight.

Elende Hütten vs. leidvolle Erinnerungen.

leidvoll vs bitter

Both describe painful realities.

Bitter emphasizes the harshness or resentment; leidvoll emphasizes the suffering itself.

Eine bittere Enttäuschung vs. eine leidvolle Erfahrung.

Padrões de frases

Es war eine leidvolle [Nomen].

Es war eine leidvolle Erfahrung.

Der/Die/Das [Nomen] ist leidvoll.

Der Abschied ist leidvoll.

Trotz der leidvollen [Nomen]...

Trotz der leidvollen Vergangenheit...

Er/Sie blickt auf eine leidvolle [Nomen] zurück.

Er blickt auf eine leidvolle Karriere zurück.

Die leidvolle [Abstraktum] von [Nomen]...

Die leidvolle Realität von Kriegen...

In [Adjektiv] leidvoller Weise...

In zutiefst leidvoller Weise...

Dem leidvollen [Nomen] zum Trotz...

Dem leidvollen Schicksal zum Trotz...

Eine leidvolle [Nomen], die [Verb]...

Eine leidvolle Wahrheit, die alles verändert...

Família de palavras

Substantivos

das Leid (suffering)

das Mitleid (pity/compassion)

das Beileid (condolences)

der Leidende (the sufferer)

Verbos

leiden (to suffer)

erleiden (to undergo/suffer through)

verleiden (to spoil something for someone)

mitleiden (to empathize/suffer with)

Adjetivos

leidig (tiresome/unpleasant)

leidlich (passable/tolerable)

mitleidig (compassionate)

leidgeprüft (tested by suffering)

Relacionado

Schmerz

Trauer

Qual

Elend

Kummer

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Como usar

frequency

Medium (Common in specific genres like history and drama).

Erros comuns

Using 'leidvoll' instead of 'leider'. → Leider kann ich nicht kommen.
'Leider' is an adverb meaning 'unfortunately'. 'Leidvoll' is an adjective describing suffering.
Saying 'Ich bin leidvoll'. → Ich leide. / Ich bin traurig.
'Leidvoll' is used to describe experiences or times, not usually a person's direct feeling of 'being'.
Wrong adjective ending: 'ein leidvolle Tag'. → Ein leidvoller Tag.
Masculine nominative adjectives after 'ein' must end in -er.
Using 'leidvoll' for a small physical pain. → Mein Finger tut weh. / Das ist schmerzhaft.
'Leidvoll' is too heavy and formal for a minor injury.
Confusing 'leidvoll' with 'leidlich'. → Das Wetter war leidlich (okay).
'Leidlich' means 'passable' or 'tolerable', which is much weaker than 'leidvoll'.

Dicas

Adjective Endings

Always check the noun gender before adding the ending to 'leidvoll'. Feminine is -e, Masculine is -er (nom) or -en (acc), Neuter is -es.

Suffix -voll

The suffix -voll is very productive in German. Once you know 'leidvoll', you can easily understand 'freudvoll' (joyful) and 'machtvoll' (powerful).

Historical Weight

Use 'leidvoll' when talking about World War II or other historical tragedies in Germany. It shows you understand the gravity of the topic.

Tone of Voice

When saying 'leidvoll', lower your pitch slightly. It is a word that carries weight and should sound serious.

Synonym Variety

In a long text, don't repeat 'leidvoll' too often. Switch to 'schmerzlich' or 'bitter' to keep the writing engaging.

News Keywords

In news broadcasts, 'leidvoll' often precedes nouns like 'Schicksal' or 'Lage'. Listen for these pairs.

The 'Leid' Root

Connect 'leidvoll' to 'leiden' (to suffer). If you know the verb, the adjective becomes much easier to remember.

Avoid Hyperbole

Don't use 'leidvoll' for small things. It's like using 'devastating' in English for a broken pencil.

Memorials

You will often see 'leidvoll' on plaques at memorials. It is a key word for public remembrance.

Level Up

Using 'leidvoll' correctly is a sign that you are moving from intermediate (B1) to advanced (B2) German.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Leid' as 'Light' but with a 'D' for 'Darkness'. Something 'leidvoll' is 'full of darkness'.

Associação visual

Imagine a heavy backpack labeled 'Leid' that someone is carrying up a steep hill. Every step is 'leidvoll'.

Word Web

Leid voll schmerzhaft traurig Erfahrung Vergangenheit Tränen Herz

Desafio

Try to write three sentences about a historical event using 'leidvoll'. Then, try to describe a sad movie scene using the word without using 'traurig'.

Origem da palavra

The word is a compound of the Middle High German 'leit' (sorrow, pain, grievance) and the suffix '-voll'. It has been part of the German language for centuries, evolving from describing physical injury to more abstract emotional suffering.

Significado original: Originally, 'Leid' referred to physical harm or an injustice done to someone. Over time, it shifted to describe the emotional state resulting from such harm.

Germanic. Cognate with the English word 'loath' (though the meanings have diverged significantly).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using this word; it is very strong. Using it for trivial things can seem insensitive or mocking.

English speakers often use 'painful' for everything. German speakers use 'leidvoll' to elevate the tone to something more serious and empathetic.

The Sorrows of Young Werther (Die Leiden des jungen Werthers) by Goethe - explores 'leidvolle' love. The works of Thomas Mann often describe the 'leidvolle' condition of the artist. German requiems (like Brahms') often deal with 'leidvolle' themes.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Historical Discussion

eine leidvolle Epoche
die leidvolle Geschichte
leidvolle Erfahrungen der Vorfahren
ein leidvolles Erbe

Personal Loss

ein leidvoller Abschied
eine leidvolle Trennung
leidvolle Stunden der Trauer
ein leidvoller Verlust

Health and Illness

eine leidvolle Krankheitsgeschichte
ein leidvoller Heilungsprozess
leidvolle Jahre des Leidens
eine leidvolle Diagnose

Literature and Art

ein leidvolles Motiv
die leidvolle Seele des Künstlers
eine leidvolle Erzählung
leidvolle Klänge

News and Current Events

die leidvolle Lage vor Ort
leidvolle Berichte von Augenzeugen
eine leidvolle Realität
leidvolle Bilder der Zerstörung

Iniciadores de conversa

"Findest du, dass man aus leidvollen Erfahrungen immer etwas lernt?"

"Welcher Film hat deiner Meinung nach eine besonders leidvolle Geschichte?"

"Wie geht man in deiner Kultur mit leidvollen Nachrichten um?"

"Glaubst du, dass Kunst oft aus leidvollen Momenten entsteht?"

"War der Abschied von deiner Heimat für dich leidvoll?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine leidvolle Erfahrung, die dich stärker gemacht hat. Was hast du gelernt?

Reflektiere über eine leidvolle Zeit in der Geschichte deines Landes. Wie wird heute darüber gesprochen?

Schreibe über einen fiktiven Charakter, der ein leidvolles Schicksal hat, aber am Ende Hoffnung findet.

Warum ist es wichtig, auch über leidvolle Themen zu sprechen, anstatt sie zu ignorieren?

Wie unterscheidet sich eine leidvolle Erfahrung von einer bloß anstrengenden Aufgabe?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Technically yes, but it sounds very dramatic. It's better to use 'schmerzhaft' for physical pain. 'Leidvoll' is usually reserved for deep emotional or historical suffering.

They mean the same thing, but 'leidvoll' is the adjective form used before nouns or with 'sein'. 'Voller Leid' is a prepositional phrase often used for emphasis, like 'Sein Herz war voller Leid'.

In casual everyday speech, no. You are more likely to hear it in a serious discussion, a news broadcast, or when someone is telling a very deep personal story.

It becomes 'einen leidvollen...'. For example: 'Er hatte einen leidvollen Tag.' (He had a painful day).

No, it is exclusively negative. It always refers to suffering and pain.

Yes, it is often introduced at the B1 level as students move beyond basic emotions like 'traurig' to more nuanced descriptions.

Erfahrung (experience), Vergangenheit (past), Abschied (farewell), Geschichte (history), and Weg (path).

No. 'Leidvoll' has a long 'o' sound in some regions, but usually 'voll' has a short 'o', while 'toll' also has a short 'o'. They rhyme, but 'leidvoll' is much more serious than 'toll' (great/crazy).

No. You should say 'Ich leide' (I am suffering) or 'Ich bin traurig' (I am sad). 'Leidvoll' describes things or periods of time, not usually a person's current emotional state in that way.

Rarely. It might be used to describe a company's 'leidvolle Geschichte' of bankruptcy or failure, but it's not a standard business term.

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