The verb lassen
Understanding grammar is key to understanding a language.
German grammar tips with Wunderbla, online German lessons.
The verb lassen
The verb lassen (to leave / to let) is irregular. It’s conjugated like this:
du lässt
er/sie/es lässt
wir lassen
ihr lasst
sie/Sie lassen
Lassen is used:
- as a verb in its own right meaning to stop doing something:
Lass das!
Stop that!
Warum lässt er das nicht?
Why does he keep doing that? / Why doesn't he leave it at that?
- as an auxiliary verb can have various meanings:
Du lässt deine Kleidung nicht auf dem Boden liegen. (= etwas zurücklassen)
You don't leave your clothes lying all over the floor.
Ich lasse meinen Hund im Bett schlafen. (= Erlaubnis)
I let my dog sleep in my bed.
Ich lasse mir die Haare schneiden. (= etwas von jemandem machen lassen)
I'm getting my hair cut.
Lasst uns nach Hause gehen! (= Vorschlag)
Let’s go home.
Note: as an auxiliary verb, lassen (to leave, to let) is always used with an infinitive. We don't need to add zu.
Taking your learning further
Still facing difficulties with 'The verb lassen'? Improve your German with Wunderbla - try our German lessons for free now and receive a free level assessment!
Do you know any tips to avoid making mistakes with 'The verb lassen'? Share it with us!
Improve your German further and test Wunderbla, online German lessons.