German word

leisten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaɪ̯stn̩/

Meaning

  • verbachieve

Example

Sie hat viel geleistet.

She has achieved a great deal.

Illustration for leisten (achieve)

More examples

Die Freiwilligen leisten täglich Hilfe.

The volunteers provide help every day.

Core concept

A person brings a required result within reach by supplying the needed effort or means.

Common phrases

  • etwas leisten

    achieve something

  • Hilfe leisten

    provide help

  • sich etwas leisten

    afford something

Similar words

erreichen: To reach a destination or goal.
fertigstellen: To complete work or a task fully.
ausführen: To carry out an instruction or planned task.

Definition in German

Etwas vollbringen oder eine Pflicht erfüllen, sodass ein Ergebnis erkennbar wird.

Word origin

Leisten is an inherited Germanic verb attested in Old High German, with meanings that developed around accomplishing or supplying something.

Usage tips

  • With an accusative object, leisten means perform or provide, while sich etwas leisten means afford or allow oneself something.

Other meanings

  • performverb
  • provideverb
  • affordverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word