German word

Anlass

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈanlas/

Meaning

  • masculine nounreason

Example

Gibt es einen Anlass für dein Kommen?

Is there a reason you're coming?

Illustration for Anlass (reason)

More examples

Ich habe keinen Anlass, zu bleiben.

I have no reason to remain.

Core concept

A circumstance that prompts an action or provides a special occasion for it.

Common phrases

  • einen Anlass haben

    have a reason

  • keinen Anlass haben

    have no reason

Similar words

Grund: The reason behind an event, decision, or action.
Gelegenheit: A favorable time for an event or action to take place.

Definition in German

Ein Grund oder eine Gelegenheit, die zu einem Gespräch, einer Feier oder einer Handlung führt.

Word origin

Anlass is a Germanic formation related to anlassen and ultimately to lassen, describing a cause or occasion that initiates something.

Usage tips

  • The formal phrase aus Anlass plus a genitive means 'on the occasion of', as in aus Anlass des Jubiläums.

Other meanings

  • occasionnoun
  • opportunitynoun

Word lists with this word