Lass es wachsen
The English phrase "let it grow" is translated into German as Lass es wachsen.
You can also say Lass es einfach wachsen to emphasize the idea of letting something grow without overthinking or intervening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Lass es wachsen is composed of Lass (let/allow), es (it) and wachsen (to grow).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing someone formally, you use Lassen Sie es wachsen instead of the imperative Lass es wachsen.
Did you know?
- The verb wachsen is a direct relative of the English word 'wax', as seen in the phrase 'to wax and wane'.
- While Lass es wachsen refers to growth, the German word for 'wax' as in a candle is Wachs, which is a separate word with a different root.
- While English uses 'let' to mean 'allow', the German lassen can also mean 'to leave something behind' or 'to leave something as it is'.
Examples in context
- Gib dem Projekt Zeit, um sich zu entwickeln.Give the project time to develop.
- Lass es wachsen, damit es stärker wird.Let it grow so that it becomes stronger.
- Lass es wachsen, damit es kräftig wird.Let it grow so that it becomes strong.
- Lass es wachsen, bevor wir es schneiden.Let it grow before we cut it.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are gardening together.
- JuliaSoll ich diesen Zweig abschneiden?Should I cut this branch off?
- MaximilianNein, lass es wachsen.No, let it grow.
- JuliaAber es ist schon sehr lang.But it is already very long.
- MaximilianDas macht nichts, es sieht gut aus.That doesn't matter, it looks good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries es, lass, wachsen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
