In our previous guides, we explored the many meanings of “lassen” and its technical structure. But there is one special version of this verb that you will see in almost every German textbook and newspaper: sich lassen.
When you combine the reflexive pronoun sich with lassen and another verb, it creates a meaning that translates to “can be done” or “is possible.” It’s a sleek, native way to avoid using a complicated passive sentence.
1. The Formula for “Sich Lassen”
The structure is simple. You use a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject, followed by the conjugated lassen, and then the main action at the end.
- Formula: Subject + sich/mich/dich… + lassen (conjugated) + Infinitive (End).
2. What Does It Actually Mean?
In most cases, sich lassen acts as an alternative to the Passive Voice with the modal verb können (can).
- Passive with Modal: “Das Problem kann gelöst werden.” (The problem can be solved.)
- With “Sich Lassen”: “Das Problem lässt sich lösen.” (The problem lets itself be solved / is solvable.)
As you can see, the sich lassen version is shorter and sounds much more natural in spoken German.
3. Common Examples in Daily Life
You will often hear this when something is easy, difficult, or impossible to do.
| German Sentence | English Translation | Literal Meaning |
| Das lässt sich machen. | That can be done. | That lets itself do. |
| Das lässt sich nicht ändern. | That can’t be changed. | That doesn’t let itself change. |
| Die Tür lässt sich nicht öffnen. | The door won’t open. | The door doesn’t let itself open. |
| Das lässt се leicht erklären. | That is easy to explain. | That lets itself explain easily. |
4. Using it with Other People (Not just “sich”)
While sich is the most common form (because we usually talk about objects or “it”), you can use it with any person.
- “Ich lasse mich не лесно убедам.” (I am not easily persuaded / I don’t let myself be persuaded easily.)
- “Du lässt dich не провоцираш.” (You don’t let yourself be provoked.)
5. Why Should You Use It?
- It’s efficient: You use fewer words than a full passive sentence.
- It’s “German”: It’s one of those structures that makes you sound like a native speaker rather than a textbook.
- It’s clear: It focuses entirely on the possibility of the action.
💡 Summary Cheat Sheet
- “Sich lassen” + Verb = “Something can be done.”
- “Sich nicht lassen” + Verb = “Something cannot be done.”
- Subject: Usually an object (it/they).
- Verb Position: Conjugated lassen in Position 2, Infinitive at the absolute end.
Final Thoughts
The next time you want to say something is possible, try using lässt sich instead of kann … werden. It might feel strange at first to say “the problem lets itself solve,” but in the German mind, it makes perfect sense!
Next Step: Now that you’ve mastered this reflexive structure, why not brush up on your basic pronouns? Check out our guide on Personalpronomen in German to make sure you’re using mich, dich, and sich correctly!