Master the German Verb "Lassen": A B1 Guide to Meaning and Usage

If you’re learning German at the B1 level, the German verb "lassen" is a must-know! This versatile verb means "to let" or "to allow" and is essential for improving your German grammar skills. Whether you’re exploring the "lassen meaning" or learning how to use lassen, this guide offers clear explanations, 25 examples, exercises, and resources to help you master it for your B1 journey!

What Does "Lassen" Mean in German?

The German verb "lassen" primarily means "to let" or "to allow," but its uses extend far beyond that for B1 learners. It’s an irregular verb (stem: 'lass-', past: 'ließ', participle: 'gelassen') and serves as a main verb, a modal-like verb, or part of expressions. Mastering "lassen" is key to learning German grammar effectively.

Key Points

  • Basic Meaning: "To let" or "to leave" something as it is.
  • Modal Use: Combines with an infinitive to mean "to have something done" or "to cause something."
  • Reflexive Use: With 'sich', it means "to be possible" or "to let oneself."
  • Expressions: Includes idioms like 'sich nicht lumpen lassen' (to go all out).

Top Uses of "Lassen" for B1 Learners

To Let or Allow

  1. Meine Mutter lässt mich ins Kino gehen. (My mom lets me go to the cinema.)

To Leave Something

  1. Ich lasse mein Buch auf dem Tisch. (I leave my book on the table.)

Causative Use (Have Something Done)

  1. Er lässt sein Auto reparieren. (He has his car repaired.)

Modal-Like Use (Let It Happen)

  1. Sie lässt die Kinder spielen. (She lets the kids play.)

Reflexive (Sich Lassen)

  1. Das lässt sich machen. (That can be done.)

List of 25 Common Examples with "Lassen"

Example SentenceTranslation
Ich lasse dich in Ruhe.I leave you alone.
Er lässt mich warten.He makes me wait.
Sie lässt das Fenster offen.She leaves the window open.
Wir lassen uns nicht stören.We don’t let ourselves be disturbed.
Das lässt sich ändern.That can be changed.
Ich lasse mein Haar schneiden.I have my hair cut.
Er lässt den Hund laufen.He lets the dog run.
Sie lässt alles liegen.She leaves everything lying around.
Wir lassen das Essen kommen.We have the food delivered.
Das lässt mich kalt.That leaves me cold/doesn’t affect me.
Ich lasse ihn reden.I let him talk.
Sie lässt die Arbeit machen.She has the work done.
Er lässt sich Zeit.He takes his time.
Wir lassen die Kinder spielen.We let the kids play.
Das lässt sich nicht vermeiden.That can’t be avoided.
Ich lasse das Buch hier.I leave the book here.
Sie lässt mich wissen.She lets me know.
Er lässt sein Fahrrad reparieren.He has his bike repaired.
Wir lassen uns überraschen.We let ourselves be surprised.
Das lässt Hoffnung.That leaves hope/gives hope.
Ich lasse die Tür zu.I leave the door closed.
Sie lässt ihn kommen.She lets him come.
Er lässt sich nicht helfen.He doesn’t let himself be helped.
Wir lassen es dabei.We leave it at that.
Das lässt sich sehen.That’s worth seeing/let’s see.

How to Use "Lassen" Like a Native

  1. Meine Eltern lassen mich am Wochenende ausgehen. (My parents let me go out on the weekend.)
  2. Er lässt sein Zimmer immer aufräumen. (He always has his room tidied up.)
  3. Das Problem lässt sich leicht lösen. (The problem can be easily solved.)
  4. Ich lasse die Tasche im Auto. (I leave the bag in the car.)
  5. Wir lassen uns nicht beeinflussen. (We don’t let ourselves be influenced.)

Word Order: With an infinitive, both verbs go to the end (e.g., 'Ich lasse es machen.' - I have it done.)

Tenses: Conjugate normally (e.g., 'Ich ließ ihn gehen.' - I let him go.)

Negation: Add 'nicht' before the infinitive or after "lassen" (e.g., 'Ich lasse ihn nicht warten.' - I don’t let him wait.)

Exercises to Practice "Lassen" for B1 Learners

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank

Choose the correct form of "lassen" (e.g., lasse, lässt, ließ, lassen) in nuanced contexts.

  1. Ich ___ meinen Regenschirm im Café.
  2. Er ___ die Katze über den Zaun springen.
  3. Letzte Woche ___ sie ihren Gast lange warten.
  4. Wir ___ die Musik laut spielen.
  5. Sie ___ ihre Schuhe polieren.

Exercise 2: Translate into German

Translate these nuanced sentences using "lassen" with precise grammar and word order.

  1. I let him decide the menu.
  2. She leaves her sunglasses on the balcony.
  3. We had the piano tuned.
  4. That lets itself be arranged.
  5. He doesn’t let me explain the situation.

Exercise 3: Rewrite Sentences

Rewrite these nuanced sentences using "lassen" in a causative sense with proper grammar.

  1. Ich wasche meine Jacke.
  2. Sie bügelt die Vorhänge.
  3. Wir richten den Garten ein.
  4. Er restauriert das Gemälde.
  5. Ich nähe mein Kleid.

Exercise 4: Match the Meaning

Match the nuanced sentence to its correct English translation, focusing on idiomatic uses.

  1. Ich lasse den Kuchen stehen.
  2. Er lässt mich antreten.
  3. Das lässt sich besprechen.
  4. Wir lassen das Licht brennen.
  5. Sie lässt die Pflanzen verdorren.

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences

Write original, nuanced sentences using "lassen" based on these prompts with proper grammar.

  1. Let someone do something unusual.
  2. Leave something in an unexpected place.
  3. Have something done professionally.
  4. Something is possible to negotiate.
  5. Don’t let something happen intentionally.

Resources to Learn More About "Lassen"

YouTube - Deutsch mit Marija
Engaging videos on German grammar, including "lassen" usage.

Visit Deutsch mit Marija

Deutsch Lernen (Lingolia)
Clear explanations and exercises for "lassen" at the B1 level.

Visit Lingolia

YouTube - Easy German
Real-life examples of "lassen" in conversations with subtitles.

Visit Easy German

See Also

Infinitiv mit zu Reflexive Verbs Modal Verbs Present
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