The German verbs lassen and verlassen both relate to the idea of “leaving,” but they have different meanings and uses. Here’s a clear overview to help you understand and use them correctly.
Meaning
- lassen: means “to let,” “to allow,” or “to have something done.” It can also mean “to leave” something in a particular state (not to take it with you).
- verlassen: means “to leave” a person, place, or thing behind — in the sense of departing from it or people.
Grammar Rules
- lassen is an irregular verb that can be used with a second verb in the infinitive (e.g. lassen gehen — let go).
- verlassen is a separable verb (Prefix ver-), and it takes a direct object in the accusative case (e.g. Ich verlasse das Haus — I leave the house).
- Pay close attention to the separable prefix in verlassen in the present and imperative tenses.
Can 'lassen' be used with a second verb in its infinitive form?
Yes, e.g. 'lassen gehen' (let go).
'lassen' is often used to indicate permission or causation and is followed by another infinitive verb.
Usage Examples
| Pronoun | Lassen in Example | Verlassen in Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ich | Ich lasse das Fenster offen. | Ich verlasse das Haus. |
| Du | Du lässt mich gehen. | Du verlässt die Party früh. |
| Er/Sie | Sie lässt das Buch liegen. | Er verlässt seinen Job. |
| Wir | Wir lassen den Hund draußen. | Wir verlassen die Stadt morgen. |
| Ihr | Ihr lasst das Licht an. | Ihr verlasst den Raum. |
| Sie | Sie lassen das Auto stehen. | Sie verlassen das Land. |
Translate to German: "I leave the window open."
Ich lasse das Fenster offen.
'lassen' is used here to mean "leave something in a certain state," while 'verlassen' would not make sense with a window.
Common Confusions
- Example: Ich lasse das Fenster offen. / Ich verlasse das Fenster.
- lassen: I leave the window open (don’t close it).
- verlassen: This doesn’t make sense because you don’t “leave” a window by departing from it.
- Example: Sie verlässt ihre Freunde. / Sie lässt ihre Freunde ...?
- verlassen: She leaves her friends (goes away from them).
- lassen: not used in this way without an additional verb (e.g. Sie lässt ihre Freunde warten — she makes her friends wait).
Summary
- Use lassen when you mean “let,” “allow,” or “leave (something in a state).”
- Use verlassen when you mean “leave” a person, place, or thing by departing from it.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
