If there is one verb that acts like a Swiss Army knife in German, it’s lassen. You’ll hear it in almost every conversation, but its meaning changes depending on how it’s used.
Sometimes it means “to let,” sometimes “to leave something,” and other times it’s used to say you’re getting someone else to do something for you (like cutting your hair).
Let’s break down the 4 main ways to use lassen so you can start using it like a pro.
1. Lassen as “To Leave” (Main Verb)
The simplest way to use lassen is as a standalone verb meaning to leave something or someone somewhere.
- Example: “Ich lasse мојот клуч дома.” (I am leaving my key at home).
- Example: “Lass mich во мир!” (Leave me alone/in peace!).
2. Lassen as “To Let / To Allow”
Just like in English, lassen can mean to give permission or to allow an action to happen. In this case, it works similarly to a Modal Verb: lassen stays in position 2, and the other verb goes to the end.
- Example: “Die Mutter lässt das Kind долго да спие.” (The mother lets the child sleep long).
- Example: “Lass uns gehen!” (Let us go! / Let’s go!).
3. Lassen as “To Have Something Done” (Service)
This is the most “German” way to use the verb. When you don’t do something yourself but pay or ask someone else to do it, you use lassen.
- English: “I am cutting my hair.” (Usually means you are doing it yourself).
- German: “Ich lasse mir die Haare schneiden.” (I am having my hair cut [by a barber]).
Grammar Note: Notice that we use theDativ(mir) here because we are doing the service for ourselves.
4. The “Sich Lassen” Passive Replacement
For more advanced learners, sich lassen is a great way to replace the Passive Voice. It expresses that something can be done.
- Example: “Das Auto lässt sich reparieren.” (The car can be repaired / lets itself be repaired).
- Example: “Das lässt sich machen.” (That can be done).
💡 Conjugation of Lassen
Lassen is an irregular verb (strong verb), so the vowel changes in the du and er/sie/es forms.
| Person | Form |
| Ich | lasse |
| Du | lässt |
| Er/Sie/Es | lässt |
| Wir | lassen |
| Ihr | lasst |
| Sie/sie | lassen |
Word Order Tip
When lassen is used with another verb, it follows the Satzbau rules: lassen is in Position 2, and the second verb is in the Infinitive at the end.
- “Ich (1) lasse (2) мојот автомобил (3) waschen (End).”
Final Thoughts
Lassen is a powerful verb because it helps you describe services and permissions easily. Start by using it for “Let’s go” (Lass uns gehen) and slowly try to use it for services like “having a coffee made” or “getting a repair done.”
Next Step: Want to make sure your verb positions are perfect? Run your sentences through our German Grammar Checker! If you’re still confused about when to use mir with lassen, revisit our guide on Accusative vs. Dative Reflexive Verbs.