Let them vs. Let they: Was ist der Unterschied?
let brauchst du immer ein Objektpronomen, wie me, her oder them. Denk dran: let braucht ein Empfänger-Wort!
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Always use object pronouns (them, him, me) after 'let' because 'let' is a verb that requires an object to receive the action.
- Use 'them' not 'they' after let: 'Let them eat.' (Correct) vs 'Let they eat.' (Incorrect)
- The verb following the object must be in the base form: 'Let them go' (not 'to go').
- This applies to all pronouns: use me, us, him, her, and them after the word let.
Overview
let them. Viele Deutschsprachige fragen sich: Warum heißt es eigentlich let them und nicht let they? Die Antwort liegt in einem der grundlegendsten Unterschiede zwischen dem Englischen und dem Deutschen: dem Kasus-System.they) und Objektpronomen (wie them).let ist ein transitives Verb, das eine Handlung auf ein Objekt ausübt. Wer „lässt“, braucht jemanden, der „gelassen wird“. Das ist das Objekt.let they sagst, klingt das für einen Muttersprachler so falsch, als würdest du im Deutschen sagen: „Lass die (Nominativ) gehen“ statt „Lass sie (Akkusativ) gehen“. Es ist ein Verstoß gegen die grundlegende Logik des Satzbaus, die du als Deutschsprachiger eigentlich intuitiv verstehen solltest, da wir im Deutschen bei „sie“ (Akkusativ) und „sie“ (Nominativ) zwar die gleiche Form haben, aber bei „er/ihn“ oder „ich/mich“ den Unterschied täglich nutzen.let them richtig zu verwenden, musst du verstehen, dass let ein sogenanntes kausatives Verb ist. Es erfordert eine spezifische Struktur: Verb + Objekt + Infinitiv ohne to. Im Deutschen entspricht dies oft der Konstruktion „jemanden etwas tun lassen“.let den sogenannten bare infinitive (reiner Infinitiv), also das Verb ohne das Wort to.to. Bei let fällt das to weg: „I let them go“. Das ist eine wichtige Regel, die du dir merken musst.Let ist wie ein „Türöffner“ für die Handlung, die danach folgt. Das Pronomen nach let muss immer im Objektfall stehen, weil es das Ziel der Erlaubnis ist.they oder them richtig ist, frage dich: „Wäre es im Deutschen ‚ich‘ oder ‚mich‘?“. Wenn es ‚mich‘ wäre, dann ist es im Englischen me.them. Das let wirkt wie ein Magnet für das Objektpronomen. Es gibt keine Ausnahme, keine Flexibilität – es ist eine absolute Regel der englischen Syntax.let + Objekt + Infinitiv. Da let ein unregelmäßiges Verb ist, das in allen Zeitformen (Präsens, Präteritum, Partizip) gleich bleibt, ist es sehr einfach anzuwenden.They |let | let |them |play |They let them play. |to verbindest. Ein häufiger Fehler ist let them to go. Das ist falsch.let them go. Auch wenn du das Objekt durch einen Namen ersetzt, bleibt die Struktur gleich: Let Sarah go oder Let the team decide. Hier siehst du, dass ein Substantiv keine Formänderung braucht, aber ein Pronomen zwingend die Objektform annehmen muss.Let he klingt für einen Engländer wie ein Fehler eines Kleinkindes, weil he eben das Subjekt ist, das die Handlung ausführen sollte, nicht das Objekt, das die Erlaubnis empfängt.let them in vielen Alltagssituationen. Stell dir vor, du bist im Büro: „The boss let them leave early“ (Der Chef hat sie früher gehen lassen). Oder beim Treffen mit Freunden in der Kneipe: „Let them order the drinks“ (Lass sie die Getränke bestellen).let's. Das ist eine Verkürzung von let us. Wenn du sagst Let's go, meinst du eigentlich „Lass uns gehen“.us die Objektform von we ist, passt das perfekt in unser Schema. Let's ist also der Inbegriff der Verwendung von Objektpronomen nach let. Auch wenn du ausdrücken willst, dass jemand in Ruhe gelassen werden soll, nutzt man let them: „They are stressed, just let them be“ (Sie sind gestresst, lass sie einfach in Ruhe).be ist hier der Infinitiv von am/is/are. Diese Konstruktionen machen dein Englisch viel natürlicher und flüssiger, da sie genau das ausdrücken, was wir im Deutschen mit „lassen“ beschreiben.- 1Der Klassiker:
Let they. Warum passiert das? Weil Deutschsprachige im Nominativ denken. Datheydas erste ist, was man im Vokabelheft lernt, greift man im Eifer des Gefechts dazu. Die Lösung: Ersetzetheyim Kopf durchmich. Wenn du „Lass mich“ sagst, weißt du sofort, dassme(Objekt) richtig ist. Also muss auchthem(Objekt) richtig sein.
- 1Das „to“-Infinitiv-Problem:
Let them to do it. Dies passiert durch die Interferenz mit Verben wiewantoderask. Wir sagenI want them to do it. Daleteine ähnliche Bedeutung hat, übertragen Lernende dastofälschlicherweise auflet. Merke dir:letist ein „nacktes“ Verb, es braucht keinto.
- 1Verwechslung mit
leave: Manchmal versuchen Deutschsprachigeleavezu benutzen, um „jemanden etwas machen lassen“ zu sagen. „Leave them do it“ ist jedoch falsch.Leavebedeutet „verlassen“ oder „etwas an einem Ort lassen“. Für die Erlaubnis istletdas einzige richtige Wort.
let mit Verben zu vergleichen, die ein to verlangen. Das hilft dir, das Muster besser zu verinnerlichen.let | let + Objekt + Infinitiv | Let them go |want | want + Objekt + to + Infinitiv | I want them to go |allow | allow + Objekt + to + Infinitiv | They allow them to go |make | make + Objekt + Infinitiv | It makes them cry |let und make die Ausnahmen, die ohne to auskommen. Alle anderen Verben wie want, allow, invite oder force brauchen ein to. Das ist ein hervorragendes Kriterium, um Ordnung in dein Vokabelwissen zu bringen.let auch im Passiv verwenden?Let wird im Passiv selten verwendet. Man sagt eher be allowed to. Statt „They were let to go“ (was falsch klingt), sagt man besser „They were allowed to go“.let's und nicht let us?Let's ist die Standardform in der gesprochenen Sprache. Let us klingt sehr formell oder fast schon wie ein Gebet oder eine sehr förmliche Aufforderung.let them und let the children?The children ist ein Nomen, das keine Falländerung braucht, them ist das Pronomen, das die Objektform annehmen muss.Using 'Let' with Different Pronouns
| Subject | Verb | Object Pronoun | Base Verb | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
I
|
will let
|
them
|
stay
|
I will let them stay.
|
|
You
|
should let
|
him
|
talk
|
You should let him talk.
|
|
She
|
lets
|
us
|
help
|
She lets us help.
|
|
They
|
don't let
|
her
|
drive
|
They don't let her drive.
|
|
We
|
let
|
them
|
choose
|
We let them choose.
|
|
He
|
let
|
me
|
know
|
He let me know.
|
Common Contractions with Let
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
Let us
|
Let's
|
Suggestions (Let's go!)
|
|
Do not let
|
Don't let
|
Prohibitions (Don't let them in.)
|
|
Will not let
|
Won't let
|
Future refusal (I won't let them.)
|
Meanings
The verb 'let' is a causative verb used to grant permission or allow something to happen. In English grammar, verbs are followed by object pronouns, not subject pronouns.
Permission
To give someone the freedom or consent to do something.
“My parents let them stay out until midnight.”
“Please let them finish their work before you ask questions.”
Suggestions (First Person Plural)
Using 'let us' (usually contracted to 'let's') to propose a joint action.
“Let's (let us) go to the park this afternoon.”
“Let's not tell them about the surprise yet.”
Imperative Commands
A way to issue a command or a wish regarding a third party.
“Let them try it their own way first.”
“Let him speak his mind without interruption.”
Reference Table
| Situation | Korrekt (mit Objektpronomen) | Falsch (mit Subjektpronomen) |
|---|---|---|
|
Eine Gruppe ansprechen
|
Let `them` decide.
|
Let `they` decide.
|
|
Eine Frau ansprechen
|
Let `her` try.
|
Let `she` try.
|
|
Einen Mann ansprechen
|
Let `him` speak.
|
Let `he` speak.
|
|
Dich und mich ansprechen
|
Let `us` go.
|
Let `we` go.
|
|
Den Sprecher ansprechen
|
Let `me` see.
|
Let `I` see.
|
|
Beispielsatz (vollständig)
|
If they are ready, `let them` begin.
|
If they are ready, `let they` begin.
|
|
Befehl
|
Don't worry, `let him` handle it.
|
Don't worry, `let he` handle it.
|
Formalitätsspektrum
Please permit them to enter the premises. (Security/Entrance)
Please let them come in. (Security/Entrance)
Let 'em in. (Security/Entrance)
Let 'em slide through. (Security/Entrance)
Pronomenwahl: Nach 'Let'
Soll ich 'them' oder 'they' verwenden?
Kommt das Pronomen direkt nach dem Verb 'let'?
Die Welt von 'Let'
Benötigt Objektpronomen
- let them Correct
- let her Correct
- let us Correct
Gefolgt von Grundform des Verbs (ohne 'to')
- let them go Correct
- let them to go Incorrect
Häufige Phrasen
- Let them be. Don't interfere.
- Let them know. Inform them.
Pronomen-Kategorien
Subjekt (Führt die Handlung aus)
- • I
- • You
- • He/She
- • We
- • They
Objekt (Empfängt die Handlung)
- • Me
- • You
- • Him/Her
- • Us
- • Them
Beispiele nach Niveau
Let them play.
Let them play.
Let me see.
Let me see.
Let us go.
Let us go.
Don't let them fall.
Don't let them fall.
Please let them finish their dinner.
Please let them finish their dinner.
Will you let them use your car?
Will you let them use your car?
My boss lets them work from home.
My boss lets them work from home.
Let's not let them win the game!
Let's not let them win the game!
If they are tired, let them take a break.
If they are tired, let them take a break.
Why won't you let them explain what happened?
Why won't you let them explain what happened?
Let them decide for themselves which path to take.
Let them decide for themselves which path to take.
I'll let them know about the meeting tomorrow.
I'll let them know about the meeting tomorrow.
Rather than intervening, we should let them resolve the conflict.
Rather than intervening, we should let them resolve the conflict.
The security guard wouldn't let them pass without ID.
The security guard wouldn't let them pass without ID.
Let them be as creative as they want during the workshop.
Let them be as creative as they want during the workshop.
It is better to let them fail and learn from it.
It is better to let them fail and learn from it.
To truly understand the culture, one must let them express their traditions freely.
To truly understand the culture, one must let them express their traditions freely.
Should we let them proceed with the merger despite the risks?
Should we let them proceed with the merger despite the risks?
The legislation was designed to let them operate without excessive oversight.
The legislation was designed to let them operate without excessive oversight.
Let them not be forgotten in the annals of history.
Let them not be forgotten in the annals of history.
The director's philosophy was to let them inhabit the characters entirely.
The director's philosophy was to let them inhabit the characters entirely.
One might argue that we should let them navigate the complexities of the market alone.
One might argue that we should let them navigate the complexities of the market alone.
Let them but try, and they shall find the task more difficult than anticipated.
Let them but try, and they shall find the task more difficult than anticipated.
The sovereign chose to let them remain in exile for the duration of the war.
The sovereign chose to let them remain in exile for the duration of the war.
Leicht verwechselbar
Learners often mix these up because in some languages (like German or Dutch), one word covers both meanings.
Both mean permission, but the grammar is different.
Both are causative, but 'let' is permission and 'make' is force.
Häufige Fehler
Let they go.
Let them go.
Let he play.
Let him play.
Let she see.
Let her see.
Let we start.
Let's start.
Let them to stay.
Let them stay.
Please let they finish.
Please let them finish.
He lets they work.
He lets them work.
If you let they to do it...
If you let them do it...
Let they who are ready...
Let them who are ready...
Why not let he tries?
Why not let him try?
Let they who have sinned...
Let those who have sinned...
Satzmuster
Please let them ___.
I won't let them ___ until ___.
Why don't you let them ___ for a change?
Real World Usage
Let them know we're here.
I let them take ownership of their tasks.
Don't let them overcharge you at the market.
Let them leave the food at the door.
Let them talk, we know the truth.
You should let them try to tie their own shoes.
Der 'Him'-Test
them oder they nehmen sollst, denk an him. Du würdest let him sagen, nicht let he. Das m ist dein Hinweis! Das Gleiche gilt für them. "If you're not sure, mentally replace the pronoun with he/him. You would say 'let him', not 'let he'. The 'm' sound is your clue! The same logic applies to them."Vorsicht bei 'Let's'
ist die Kurzform vonlet us
und ist ein Vorschlag für deine Gruppe. Verwechsle es nicht! Du kannst nichtLet's them go
sagen. Es heißt entwederLet's go
(wir gehen) oder Let them go (sie gehen). Let's means let us and is a proposal for your group. Don't mix it up! You can't say Let's them go. It's either Let's go (we go) or Let them go (they go)."'Let Them Be'
let them be ist eine super Redewendung. Nutze ihn, um zu sagen: Misch dich nicht einoder
Lass sie in Ruhe. Das klingt sehr natürlich und macht dein Englisch fortgeschrittener. "The phrase
let them be is a powerful idiom. Use it to mean 'stop interfering with them' or 'leave them alone'. It's a very natural-sounding phrase that will make your English sound more advanced."Ein Zeichen von Vertrauen
Let them try itein Zeichen von Vertrauen und Empowerment. Es zeigt, dass du ein Chef oder Teamkollege bist, der an die Fähigkeiten seiner Kollegen glaubt. "In many English-speaking work or creative environments, saying 'Let them try it' is a sign of trust and empowerment. It shows you're a manager or teammate who is confident in your colleagues' abilities."
Smart Tips
Stop and think of the word 'them' as a destination. The permission is traveling TO them.
Check for the word 'to'. Remember: Let = No 'to', Allow = Yes 'to'.
Switch 'let' to 'permit' or 'allow' to sound more professional.
Remember that 'let' is irregular and doesn't change. 'Yesterday I let them' is correct.
Aussprache
Reduction of 'them'
In casual speech, 'them' is often reduced to ''em'.
Linking 'Let' and 'us'
When saying 'Let's', the 't' and 's' blend into a sharp 'ts' sound.
Imperative Stress
LET them go! (Stress on LET)
Emphasizes the command or permission.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Let THEM in, don't let THEY win! (Wait, that doesn't rhyme—try: Let THEM go, so they can grow!)
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant gatekeeper named 'Let'. He only allows people carrying 'Object' bags (labeled me, him, her, them) to pass through his gate to the 'Action' field.
Rhyme
Let them stay, let them play, never use 'they' in this way!
Story
A king wanted to give his people freedom. He stood on his balcony and shouted, 'Let them eat cake!' He didn't say 'Let they eat cake' because he was giving the cake TO them. They were the receivers of his kindness.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Look around you and find three things you would 'let' someone do. Say them out loud using 'Let them...', 'Let him...', or 'Let her...'.
Kulturelle Hinweise
The phrase 'Let them eat cake' is a famous (though likely misattributed) historical quote. It uses the correct 'let them' structure to show a dismissive attitude toward the poor.
In some dialects, 'let' might be used in unique ways for emphasis, but the object pronoun 'them' (or 'em') remains the standard for this construction.
In legal documents, 'let' is rarely used. Instead, 'permit' or 'authorize' are used to avoid the casual tone of 'let'.
From Old English 'lætan', meaning to leave, allow, or leave undone.
Gesprächseinstiege
If you were a teacher, would you let them use phones in class?
When your friends visit your city, where do you let them stay?
How do you feel when parents let them (their children) run around in restaurants?
If you managed a team, would you let them set their own hours?
Tagebuch-Impulse
Häufige Fehler
Test Yourself
If the players are ready for the match, then let ___ begin!
let brauchen wir ein Objektpronomen. them ist das korrekte Objektpronomen für eine Gruppe.Find and fix the mistake:
The students did their research, so the professor let they choose the topic for the final essay.
they kann nicht als Objekt für das Verb let verwendet werden. Das korrekte Objektpronomen ist them.Wähle den korrekten Satz:
let + Objektpronomen (them) + Grundform des Verbs (play). let they ist falsch, und "let's themist eine Verwechslung zwischenlet us
und let them".Score: /3
Ubungsaufgaben
8 exercisesMy teacher won't let ___ use calculators during the exam.
If the kids are hungry, let ___ eat the snacks.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please let they finish their presentation.
Allow them to enter the building.
I will let he go to the party.
A: Can the students leave? B: Yes, ___.
Sort these: they, them, him, he, us, we
let / don't / them / forget
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesThey look like they're having a good time. Just let ___ be.
The director will let them ___ the final scene tomorrow.
If our competitors want to use that strategy, let they fail on their own.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'Déjalos entrar.'
Match the subjects with the correct object form for the verb 'let':
I know you disagree with their plan, but for now, just let it ___.
The contract is clear; you must let them to access the building.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Translate into English: 'Si ellos quieren irse, déjalos.'
Match the sentence parts:
Score: /13
FAQ (8)
In modern standard English, no. It is always `let them`. You might see `let they` in very old poetry or the Bible, but using it today will be seen as a mistake.
`Let's` is simply a contraction of `let us`. We use it for suggestions. In formal writing, you can use `let us`, but in speaking, `let's` is much more common.
Yes, the verb `let` conjugates like any other verb. 'He `lets` them play' or 'She `let` them play' (past tense). The pronoun `them` stays the same.
`Let` is informal and uses a base verb (`let them go`). `Allow` is formal and uses 'to' (`allow them to go`).
It is a correct representation of how native speakers talk informally, but you should write `let them` in any formal or professional document.
Yes! You can say 'Let the water run' or 'Let the paint dry'. If you use a pronoun, it would be 'Let it dry'.
This is a common error even among some native speakers who are trying to sound formal. The correct form is still `let them who...` or more commonly `let those who...`.
In this context, yes. It can also be a noun in tennis (a 'let' serve), but that is a completely different meaning.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Dejar / Permitir
English pronouns always come before the second verb.
Laisser
French word order for pronouns changes in the negative.
Lassen
German word order can be different in subordinate clauses.
〜させる (Saseru)
Japanese grammar is suffix-based, not word-based.
دع (Da') / اجعل (Ij'al)
Pronouns are suffixes in Arabic, not separate words.
让 (ràng)
English requires a case change (they -> them); Chinese does not.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Verwandte Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Dialekt vs. Sprache: Was ist der Unterschied?
### Overview Die Unterscheidung zwischen einer `language` (Sprache) und einem `dialect` (Dialekt) gehört zu den faszini...
Nowadays vs. Now-a-days: Was ist der Unterschied?
OverviewDie englische Sprache ist ein lebendiger Organismus, der sich ständig weiterentwickelt. Wörter verändern sich, S...
Quite vs. Quiet: Was ist der Unterschied?
### Overview Wenn du Englisch lernst, triffst du oft auf Wörter, die sich zum Verwechseln ähnlich sehen, aber völlig un...
Said vs. Told: Was ist der Unterschied?
### Overview Wenn du Englisch lernst, stößt du schnell auf zwei Verben, die oft für Verwirrung sorgen: `say` und `tell`...
There was vs. There were: Was ist der Unterschied?
### Overview Wenn wir auf Englisch beschreiben wollen, dass etwas in der Vergangenheit existiert hat oder an einem best...
