Lass mich frei
The English phrase "set me free" is translated into German as Lass mich frei.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative form of lassen (to let/allow), mich (me) and frei (free).
Which one should you use?
While Lass mich frei implies a release from physical or metaphorical captivity, you should use Lass mich in Ruhe if your intention is to tell someone to stop bothering or harassing you (meaning "Leave me alone").
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes depending on whom you are addressing. If you are addressing a group of people informally (using ihr), use Lasst mich frei. If you are addressing someone formally (using Sie), the imperative is Lassen Sie mich frei.
Did you know?
- In German, frei can also describe a toilet or a parking space that is currently unoccupied, rather than a person who is not imprisoned.
- A person who is 'free' in the sense of being single is not described as frei but as ledig or single, as frei would imply they are simply not busy at the moment.
- The word lass is a distant relative of the English word 'late'. Both words evolved from a Proto-Germanic root meaning to be slow or slack.
Examples in context
- Bitte lassen Sie mich frei, meine Möglichkeiten zu erkunden.Please set me free to explore my options.
- Lass mich frei, ich will gehen.Set me free, I want to go.
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are playing a game of pretend.
- SarahLass mich frei, böser Riese!Set me free, evil giant!
- MaximilianNein, du bleibst in meinem Turm.No, you stay in my tower.
- SarahDas ist nicht fair, lass mich frei!That is not fair, set me free!
- MaximilianNa gut, du darfst jetzt gehen.Alright, you may go now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frei, lass, mich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
