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

Antonyms

Related Phrases

Liebesleid und -freudephrase
the full spectrum of love's emotional extremes

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
root
+
Leid
suffering/pain
root
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