The German verb “lassen” is a very important and versatile verb that is commonly used in the German language, and is particularly relevant for B1 level learners. In this article, we will explore the various uses and meanings of “lassen” and provide plenty of examples in both German and English to help you understand its usage.
“Lassen” as a verb meaning “to let” or “to allow”
The first and most common use of “lassen” is as a verb meaning “to let” or “to allow.” For example:
German: Ich lasse dich gehen. (I let you go.)
English: I let you go.
German: Mein Chef lässt mich früher Feierabend machen. (My boss lets me finish work early.)
English: My boss lets me finish work early.
“Lassen” as a verb meaning “to have something done”
Another common use of “lassen” is as a verb meaning “to have something done.” For example:
German: Ich lasse mein Auto reparieren. (I have my car repaired.)
English: I have my car repaired.
German: Meine Freundin lässt sich die Haare schneiden. (My girlfriend is having her hair cut.)
English: My girlfriend is having her hair cut.
“Lassen” as a verb meaning “to leave” or “to let be”
A third use of “lassen” is as a verb meaning “to leave” or “to let be.” For example:
German: Lass es sein. (Leave it be.)
English: Leave it be.
German: Ich lasse es so, wie es ist. (I leave it as it is.)
English: I leave it as it is.
“Lassen” as a verb meaning “to make” or “to cause”
Finally, “lassen” can also be used as a verb meaning “to make” or “to cause.” For example:
German: Der Regen lässt die Blumen wachsen. (The rain makes the flowers grow.)
English: The rain makes the flowers grow.
German: Das Konzert lässt mich emotional werden. (The concert causes me to become emotional.)
English: The concert causes me to become emotional.
In conclusion, “lassen” is a very important and versatile verb in the German language, and understanding its various uses and meanings is key to becoming proficient in the language. We hope that the examples provided in this article have helped you to better understand the verb “lassen” and its usage in German.