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In Course: B1 German: The Intermediate Step

German Grammar: Special Structures ('lassen', Infinitive Clauses, Indirect Questions)

Learn the uses of the verb 'lassen', how to form infinitive clauses with and without 'zu', and how to create indirect questions.

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Deck Contents

43 Cards
Lesson#1
Welcome to this deck on special structures in German grammar. We will cover three important topics for building more complex and natural-sounding sentences. First, we'll explore the versatile verb 'lassen', which has several different meanings. Then, we'll learn how to form infinitive clauses using 'zu', 'ohne zu', and 'anstatt zu'. Finally, we'll cover how to report questions using indirect question structures. Let's begin with 'lassen'.
Lesson#2
The verb 'lassen' is often used like a modal verb. One of its most common meanings is 'to let' or 'to allow'. In a sentence, 'lassen' is conjugated and the other verb goes to the end in its infinitive form, without 'zu'. For example, 'Ich lasse meinen Sohn spielen' means 'I let my son play'.
Quiz#3
How would you say 'I let my son play outside' in German?

Ich lasse meinen Sohn draußen spielen.

Quiz#4
Translate the sentence: 'She does not let me go'.

Sie lässt mich nicht gehen.

Lesson#5
Another key meaning of 'lassen' is 'to have something done' by someone else. This is called the causative use. The structure is the same: 'lassen' is conjugated, and the main verb is an infinitive at the end. For instance, 'Ich lasse mein Auto reparieren' means 'I am having my car repaired', implying a mechanic is doing it, not me.
Quiz#6
How do you say 'I am having my hair cut' in German?

Ich lasse mir die Haare schneiden.

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