German Conversation · Level 28
90 words
German word
erlauben
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛɐ̯ˈlaʊ̯bən/
Meaning
- verblet
Example
Meine Eltern erlauben mir, spät aufzubleiben.
My parents let me stay up late.
More examples
Der Lehrer erlaubt den Schülern, während der Pause draußen zu bleiben.
The teacher allows the students to stay outside during the break.
Core concept
A gatekeeper gives someone clearance to pass through a boundary or carry out an action.
Common phrases
jemandem etwas erlauben
allow someone something
sich erlauben, etwas zu tun
allow oneself to do ___
Similar words
dürfen: Be permitted to do something by an outside authority.
lassen: Allow someone to do something.
zulassen: Permit a person or thing to enter, participate, or proceed.
Definition in German
jemandem gestatten, etwas zu tun.
Word origin
Erlauben comes from Middle High German erloub(e)n and Old High German irlouben, based on a Germanic root meaning to approve or grant permission.
Usage tips
- The person receiving permission is usually in the dative, as in jemandem etwas erlauben or jemandem erlauben, etwas zu tun.