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leisten

accomplish

verb LICE-ten Less Common
People & Society Work

Also means

afford

Usage Note

leisten means to accomplish or perform, as in gute Arbeit leisten (to do good work). The reflexive sich etwas leisten means to afford something or treat oneself to it: Das kann ich mir nicht leisten. The related noun Leistung means achievement, performance or power output.

Examples

"Das kann ich mir nicht leisten."

Natural Translation

I can't afford that.

Literal Translation

That can I myself not afford.

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