Before you start
Meet einlassen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
ein- + lassen
- ein-
- inward, into a space
- lassen
- to let or allow
You let someone or something move in; figuratively, sich auf etwas einlassen means allowing yourself to enter into it.
So einlassen means to let in or admit; sich auf etwas einlassen: to get involved in something.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on lassen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: ein·lassen
In a main clause the prefix ein splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseWir lassen heute Freunde ein.We let friends in today.
Subordinate clauseSie bleibt, weil wir sie einlassen.She stays because we let her in.
Participle: eingelassenzu-infinitive: einzulassen
Forms
How einlassen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | lasse ein | ließ ein |
| du | lässt ein | ließest ein |
| er/sie/es | lässt ein | ließ ein |
| wir | lassen ein | ließen ein |
| ihr | lasst ein | ließt ein |
| Sie | lassen ein | ließen ein |
Partizip II eingelassen · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich lasse den Hund ein.I let the dog in.prefix goes to the end
- 2Sie hat den Gast eingelassen.She let the guest in.Perfekt with haben
- 3Er lässt sich auf das Spiel ein.He gets involved in the game.reflexive use
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
einlassen + der Gast
Your challenge
- 1Use einlassen in the present tense.
- 2Use der Gast as its object.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We let him in after dinnerdas Abendessen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When the busder Bus arrivedankommen, we let them in.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She lets him in because he is her brotherder Bruder.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The womandie Frau whom we let in lives next doornebenan.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You must let the childrendas Kind, die Kinder in now.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He doesn't want to get involved in their problemdas Problem.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Would you let me in?
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
sich einlassen + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Use the simple past for einlassen.
- 3Say what you got involved in.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What would you like to get involved in?
Your challenge
- 1Answer in one sentence using einlassen.
- 2Say what you would get involved in.