Leisten
Example: Ich kann mir diesen teuren Urlaub nicht leisten.
Definition
"Leisten" means to afford or to be able to bear the cost of something, as in being financially capable of something, like in the sentence 'Ich kann mir diesen teuren Urlaub nicht leisten,' which means 'I cannot afford this expensive vacation.'
Etymology
The German verb "leisten" originally comes from Old High German 'leistan,' meaning to accomplish or perform. Over time, its meaning shifted to include the sense of being able to do or bear something, which is why today it commonly means 'to afford' or 'to provide.' Did you know? The word is related to the English 'list' in old usage, referring to the ability or capacity to do something.
Learn to use this word actively
"Leisten" appears in the Vocaplus list "German - General - (A2) - set 2", containing 116 commonly used words.
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