German Conversation · Level 163
30 words
German word
gestatten
Pronunciation
IPA/gəˈʃtatən/
Meaning
- verblet
Example
Sein Vater hat ihm das Rauchen nie gestattet.
His father never let him smoke.
More examples
Er gestattete sich eine kurze Pause.
He allowed himself a short break.
Core concept
A person in authority granting a requested action with a formal nod.
Common phrases
sich etwas gestatten
allow oneself something
jemandem gestatten, an der Diskussion teilzunehmen
allow someone to participate in the discussion
Similar words
dürfen: To be allowed or permitted to do something.
erlauben: To allow someone to do something or to have something.
Definition in German
jemandem erlauben, etwas zu tun; formelles Verb zum Gewähren von Zustimmung
Word origin
The verb continues Middle High German gestatten, a formation with ge- and the older verb statten, which had senses connected with granting or providing.
Usage tips
- The usual construction is jemandem etwas gestatten or jemandem gestatten, etwas zu tun, with the person receiving permission in the dative.