Lassen
'Lassen' is a versatile verb with multiple meanings: to let, to allow, to make (someone do something), and to leave (something somewhere).
It's used in various constructions and is essential for expressing permission, causation, and leaving things.
This lesson covers all uses of 'lassen' in German.
Explanation
'Lassen' meaning 'to let/allow': 'Ich lasse dich gehen' (I let you go), 'Er lässt mich nicht' (He doesn't allow me).
'Lassen' meaning 'to make (someone do something)': 'Ich lasse ihn arbeiten' (I make him work), 'Sie lässt mich warten' (She makes me wait).
'Lassen' meaning 'to leave (something)': 'Ich lasse das Buch zu Hause' (I leave the book at home), 'Er lässt seinen Mantel hier' (He leaves his coat here).
'Sich lassen' meaning 'can be done': 'Das lässt sich machen' (That can be done), 'Es lässt sich nicht ändern' (It can't be changed).
Present tense: ich lasse, du lässt, er/sie/es lässt, wir lassen, ihr lasst, sie lassen.
Lassen - Different Uses
| Use | Example | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| To let/allow | Ich lasse dich gehen | I let you go | Permission |
| To make (causative) | Ich lasse ihn arbeiten | I make him work | Causation |
| To leave | Ich lasse das Buch hier | I leave the book here | Leaving something |
| Sich lassen (can be) | Das lässt sich machen | That can be done | Passive meaning |
Examples
Ich lasse dich gehen.
I let you go.
Er lässt mich arbeiten.
He makes me work.
Sie lässt ihr Auto zu Hause.
She leaves her car at home.
Das lässt sich nicht ändern.
That can't be changed.
Wir lassen die Kinder spielen.
We let the children play.
Common Mistakes
Ich lasse du gehen
Ich lasse dich gehen
After 'lassen', use accusative pronoun: 'dich', not 'du'.
Ich lasse ihn zu arbeiten
Ich lasse ihn arbeiten
After 'lassen', use infinitive without 'zu'. 'arbeiten', not 'zu arbeiten'.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.