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Liebesleid
/ˈliːbəsˌlaɪt/
heartbreak
Nach der Trennung litt sie unter großem Liebesleid.
After the breakup, she suffered greatly from heartbreak.
literary
Emotional pain or sorrow caused by unrequited love or the end of a romantic relationship.
Sein Liebesleid war so tief, dass er wochenlang das Haus nicht verließ.
His heartbreak was so profound that he didn’t leave the house for weeks.
Often used in poetic or literary contexts to describe profound emotional suffering in love.
formal
The suffering or distress experienced when love is not reciprocated or is lost.
Das Liebesleid der Figur in der Tragödie rührte das Publikum zu Tränen.
The character’s heartbreak in the tragedy moved the audience to tears.
Collocations
großes Liebesleidgreat heartbreakunter Liebesleid leidento suffer from heartbreak
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding confusion with 'Liebesglück'
'Liebesleid' specifically refers to sorrow in love, while 'Liebesglück' means happiness in love. The two are often contrasted in literature.
Gold Rule
When to use 'Liebesleid'
Use this word when describing deep, often poetic or tragic emotional suffering in a romantic context. Avoid in casual conversation.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Liebe' (love) and 'Leid' (suffering/pain), first attested in the 18th century. Reflects the Romantic era's emphasis on emotional intensity.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in literary, poetic, or elevated language. In everyday speech, 'Herzschmerz' or 'Liebeskummer' are more common.
Word Breakdown
Liebe
love
rootLeid
suffering/pain
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch