leisten

/ˈlaɪ̯stn̩/

verb B1

der (masc.) die (fem.) das (neut.)

Underline = a spelling pattern that usually signals that gender.

Forms

present (3rd sg.): leistet
past: leistete
perfect: hat geleistet

Meaning

to achieve, to accomplish
- Sie hat in ihrem Beruf viel geleistet.
  
  She has accomplished a lot in her career.
- Die Feuerwehr leistet jeden Tag hervorragende Arbeit. Wir danken ihr dafür.
  
  The fire brigade does excellent work every day. We thank them for it.
to afford (reflexively: sich etwas leisten)
- Wir können uns diesen Urlaub nicht leisten.
  
  We can't afford this vacation.
- Ein so teures Auto können wir uns nicht leisten. Wir kaufen lieber ein gebrauchtes.
  
  We cannot afford such an expensive car. We would rather buy a second-hand one.

Similar words

erringen

Erringen is to attain or win something through real effort or struggle; leisten is the more neutral word for achieving or accomplishing something.

Similar in other languages

English

accomplish

accomplish is the English word for the same thing — both mean "to achieve, to accomplish."

Practice

1 What does leisten mean?

2 Fill the gap: Sie hat in ihrem Beruf viel ___.

3 Which fingerprint chart matches leisten?

verbtwo-meanings

Last updated 2026-09-18