German Conversation · Level 128
44 words
German word
hinterlassen
Pronunciation
IPA/hɪntɐˈlasn̩/
Meaning
- verbleave
Example
Er hinterließ einen Brief auf dem Tisch.
He left a letter on the table.
More examples
Sein Kommentar hat einen guten Eindruck hinterlassen.
His comment left a good impression.
Core concept
A person goes away, leaving a tangible thing, a message, or a trace that remains after the departure.
Common phrases
eine Nachricht hinterlassen
leave a message
einen Eindruck hinterlassen
leave an impression
einen Brief hinterlassen
leave a letter
Similar words
zurücklassen: Choosing to leave an object in a place before going away.
vergessen: Unintentionally leaving an item behind without being aware of it.
hinterlegen: Giving documents or objects to an authorized person or office for safekeeping.
Definition in German
etwas an einem Ort oder für eine Person zurücklassen; beim Weggehen etwas übriglassen
Word origin
The verb is a German compound of hinter, 'behind', and lassen, 'let' or 'leave', with the combined meaning of leaving something behind.
Usage tips
- For a recipient, German uses the dative in phrases such as jemandem etwas hinterlassen, while the thing left is in the accusative.
Other meanings
- bequeathverb
- leave behindverb
Opposites
- mitnehmentake alongverb
Related words
- die Hinterlassungbequestnoun
- hinterlassenleft behindadjective