loslassen
/ˈloːsˌlasən/
The German phrase for 'let go' is loslassen.
loslassen means to no longer hold on. If you are talking about getting rid of something unwanted or unnecessary in an informal context, you might use Loswerden instead.
Meaning: to no longer hold on (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is composed of los, meaning 'away' or 'off' and lassen, meaning 'to let' or 'to leave'.
How does it change in a sentence?
loslassen is a separable verb. In the present tense third person singular, the prefix los moves to the end of the clause, as in er lässt los. The past participle is losgelassen, and when using the perfect tense, you use the auxiliary verb haben, such as in losgelassen hat.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈloːsˌlasən/
Did you know?
- The word los in loslassen is related to the English word 'loose'. Both come from a root meaning to set free or untie.
- While loslassen is used for physical grips, Germans often use the phrase jemanden gehen lassen to mean 'to let someone go' in the context of a romantic breakup.
- The word los can also act as a noun, das Los, which refers to a 'lot' or a 'token' used in a lottery or a game of chance.
Examples in context
- Das Kind wollte nicht die Hand seiner Mutter loslassen.That child wouldn't let go of his mother's hand.This sentence shows how to use loslassen regarding a physical grip.Tatoeba #643800 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #47440 by CK
- Du musst loslassen.You need to let go.This sentence provides a simple usage of the verb.Tatoeba #4215971 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4211673 by Hybrid
- Ich habe ihr gesagt, sie solle das Seil nicht loslassen, aber sie tat es trotzdem.I told her not to let go of the rope, but she did.This sentence demonstrates the use of the verb in the context of not letting go of an object.Tatoeba #3888581 by pne, translation #261165 by CK
- Bitte lassen Sie losPlease let go
- Ich will diesen Stress loswerdenI want to let go of this stress
- Lass deinen Ärger abLet your anger go
- I mog di nimma, i muss di jetzt foin lass'nI don't like you anymore, I have to let you go
- Es ist wichtig, die Vergangenheit loszulassen, um nach vorne zu schauen.It is important to let go of the past in order to move forward.
- Ich muss meine Ängste loswerden, um ein erfülltes Leben zu führen.I need to let go of my fears to lead a fulfilling life.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are holding a balloon that is about to fly away.
- SarahIch kann den Ballon nicht mehr halten!I can't hold the balloon anymore!
- FelixDann musst du ihn einfach loslassen.Then you just have to let go of it.
- SarahAber ich will ihn nicht verlieren.But I don't want to lose it.
- FelixEs ist okay, lass ihn jetzt loslassen.It's okay, let it go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let go” translations and entries loslassen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
