Lassen
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
lassen = to let / have something done.
How it works
Lassen means "to let", "to allow" or "to have something done". With an infinitive it expresses that someone causes an action to happen: Ich lasse das Auto reparieren (I have the car repaired). In the perfect with another infinitive, the double infinitive is used: Ich habe das Auto reparieren lassen.
When to use it
Use lassen (to let or to have something done) with an infinitive, as in "Ich lasse mir die Haare schneiden".
Use cases
- Having a service done: Sie lässt die Haare schneiden
- Allowing someone to do something: Er lässt die Kinder spielen
- Describing a passive-like possibility: Das lässt sich leicht machen
Examples
- Ich lasse mein Auto reparieren – I have my car repaired
- Lass mich das machen! – Let me do that!
- Wir lassen unser Auto waschen. – We have our car washed.
- Sie lässt sich die Zähne behandeln. – She is having her teeth treated.
Common mistake
Using the participle "gelassen" when another infinitive follows. The double infinitive is correct: "Ich habe das Auto reparieren lassen."
Memory tip
Lassen + infinitive = let or have something done: Ich lasse das Auto reparieren.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.