Brottin

TOPIC · Verbs (Verben)

Distinguishing the meanings of the verb "lassen" with prefixes

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After this lesson you can recognize the main prefix verbs with „lassen“, tell their meanings apart and use them correctly in common everyday situations.

In this lesson you learn how different prefixes change the meaning of „lassen“ and how to use these verbs correctly in everyday situations.

1The base verb „lassen“

„lassen“ has three very important core meanings:

  1. „not do / stop“

    • Ich lasse das Rauchen. (I stop smoking.)

  2. „allow, permit“

    • Ich lasse dich heute früher gehen. (I allow you to leave earlier today.)

  3. „leave behind in a place“

    • Wo hast du deinen Schlüssel gelassen? (Where did you leave your key?)

These basic meanings are often still visible in the prefix verbs with „lassen“.

2Separable and inseparable prefixes

For verbs with „lassen“ you must know whether the prefix is separable or inseparable.

  • Separable (e.g. „anlassen“, „nachlassen“): the prefix goes to the end of the clause in main clauses.

    • Ich lasse das Licht an. (I leave the light on.)

  • Inseparable (e.g. „entlassen“, „verlassen“): the prefix always stays attached to the verb.

    • Die Firma entlässt zehn Mitarbeiter. (The company dismisses ten employees.)

3Important verbs with „lassen“ and prefixes

3.1 Overview table

Prefix verbMeaning (short)ExampleMeaning in English
ablassenlet out, drain, decreaseLass das Wasser aus der Badewanne ab.Let the water drain from the bath.
anlassenleave switched onLass den Motor an.Leave the engine running.
belassenleave as it isWir belassen es dabei.We leave it as it is / like that.
einlassenlet in, allow inIch lasse niemanden mehr ins Haus ein.I do not let anyone into the house.
entlassendismiss, fire; releaseDie Firma entlässt viele Mitarbeiter.The company dismisses many employees.
hinterlassenleave behindEr hat mir eine Nachricht hinterlassen.He left a message for me.
nachlassenbecome weakerDer Schmerz lässt langsam nach.The pain is slowly easing.
offenlassenleave open, undecidedLass die Frage offen.Leave the question open.
überlassenleave to someone, entrustIch überlasse dir die Entscheidung.I leave the decision to you.
verlassenleave, go awaySie hat die Stadt verlassen.She has left the city.

3.2 Nuances in context

  • „Wir belassen es dabei.“
    → We stop here, we do not change anything anymore.

  • „Die Kopfschmerzen lassen endlich nach.“
    → The headache is finally getting weaker.

  • „Er hat seiner Kollegin das Projekt überlassen.“
    → She is now responsible for the project.

  • „Lass den Computer an, ich komme gleich wieder.“
    → Do not switch off the computer.

  • „Die Firma entlässt zum Jahresende mehrere Angestellte.“
    → Several employees lose their jobs at the end of the year.

4Typical contrasts and common confusions

  • „lassen“ vs. „verlassen“

    • „Ich lasse dich in Ruhe.“ (I leave you alone / I don’t bother you.)
    • „Ich verlasse dich.“ (I leave you / the relationship ends.)

  • „lassen“ vs. „entlassen“

    • „Der Arzt lässt mich heute nach Hause.“ (The doctor lets me go home today.)
    • „Die Firma entlässt mich.“ (The company fires me.)

  • „lassen“ vs. „überlassen“

    • „Lass mich sprechen.“ (Let me speak.)
    • „Überlass mir das Reden.“ (Leave the talking to me / I’ll take care of speaking.)

Rule of thumb: always look at the prefix and at the context. Many „lassen“-verbs with prefixes are fixed expressions – learn them together with typical example sentences.