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A1 verb #700 más común 10 min de lectura

lachen

Top 700

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos lachen en 30 segundos

Explicación lachen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'lachen' is one of the first verbs you learn to express emotions. You use it in its simplest form to say that you or someone else is laughing. You will learn the basic present tense conjugation: 'Ich lache', 'Du lachst', 'Er lacht'. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex prepositions. You might use it in simple sentences like 'Ich lache gern' (I like to laugh) or 'Wir lachen viel' (We laugh a lot). The focus is on recognizing the word and being able to use it in a basic subject-verb structure. You will also learn to distinguish it from 'weinen' (to cry), its opposite. It's important to remember that 'lachen' is a regular verb, making it easy to conjugate. You might also encounter the noun 'das Lachen' in simple contexts, such as 'Sein Lachen ist laut'.

At the A2 level, you start to expand your use of 'lachen' by adding more detail to your sentences. You will learn to use the Perfekt tense to talk about things that happened in the past: 'Wir haben gestern viel gelacht'. You also begin to use the preposition 'über' to say what you are laughing at: 'Ich lache über den Film'. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish 'lachen' from 'lächeln' (to smile), which is a common point of confusion for English speakers. You might also learn some basic compound words or related terms like 'lustig' (funny) or 'der Witz' (the joke). Your sentences become more descriptive, such as 'Er lacht laut über den lustigen Witz'. You are also introduced to the idea that 'lachen' can be used with adverbs like 'leise' (quietly) or 'herzlich' (heartily).

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At the B1 level, you move beyond simple descriptions and start using 'lachen' in more idiomatic and social contexts. You will learn reflexive forms like 'sich kaputtlachen' (to laugh oneself silly) and how they change based on the subject. You'll also encounter the verb 'auslachen' (to mock/laugh at someone) and learn that it is a separable verb with a different meaning than 'lachen über'. You can now use 'lachen' in subordinate clauses: 'Ich mag ihn, weil er viel lacht'. You also start to understand metaphorical uses, such as 'die Sonne lacht' or 'das Glück lacht mir'. Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'kichern' (to giggle) or 'schmunzeln' (to smirk/chuckle), allowing you to be more precise in your descriptions. You can also handle the Präteritum 'lachte' in reading texts.

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At the B2 level, you use 'lachen' with nuance and stylistic variety. You understand the subtle differences between 'lachen', 'grinsen', 'schmunzeln', and 'prusten'. You can use the word in complex grammatical structures, such as passive-like constructions or with various modal verbs. You are familiar with common idioms like 'Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten' and can use them appropriately in conversation. You also understand the social implications of laughter in different German-speaking contexts, such as the difference between laughing with someone and laughing at someone. You can discuss the concept of humor and laughter in a more abstract way, perhaps in an essay or a debate. Your use of 'lachen' is now fluid and integrated into a wide range of topics, from personal anecdotes to cultural analysis.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'lachen' and its many derivatives. You can use literary or rare forms of laughter-related words, such as 'das Gelächter' (uproarious laughter) or 'lachhaft' (ridiculous). You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it has evolved. You can appreciate and use wordplay involving 'lachen' in sophisticated jokes or satirical writing. You are also aware of the psychological and philosophical discussions surrounding laughter in German thought (e.g., Nietzsche or Freud). You can use 'lachen' in highly formal or academic contexts, as well as in very informal slang. Your ability to switch between these registers is a hallmark of your advanced proficiency. You can also analyze the use of laughter in films, plays, and literature with great detail.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'lachen' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can use the word and its synonyms with perfect precision, capturing every subtle shade of meaning. You are familiar with archaic uses of the word in Middle High German texts and can discuss its development over centuries. You can produce complex creative writing that utilizes 'lachen' in innovative ways. You understand the most obscure idioms and regional variations of laughter-related terms across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You can engage in deep philosophical debates about the nature of the 'Lachreiz' (the urge to laugh) or the role of laughter in political resistance. For you, 'lachen' is not just a verb, but a versatile tool for expressing the full spectrum of human emotion and social interaction.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

lachen en 30 segundos

Lachen is the standard German verb for 'to laugh', implying a vocalized sound of amusement or joy.
It is a regular (weak) verb conjugated as lache, lachte, gelacht, and uses the auxiliary 'haben'.
The preposition 'über' followed by the accusative case is used to specify what one is laughing at.
It must be distinguished from 'lächeln' (to smile), which is silent and used for facial expressions only.

The German verb lachen is a fundamental part of the human experience, describing the physiological and emotional act of laughing. At its core, it refers to the vocalized expression of amusement, joy, or sometimes even derision. Unlike the English word 'smile,' which is translated as lächeln, lachen specifically implies that sound is being produced. In German culture, laughter is seen as a vital social lubricant, though it is often governed by specific social contexts. You will hear this word in every corner of life, from the playground where children lachen while playing, to the office where colleagues might lachen over a shared joke during a break.

The Physical Act: Lachen involves the rhythmic contraction of the diaphragm and the vocal cords, producing sounds like 'ha-ha' or 'hi-hi'. In German, we often describe the intensity of this act with various adverbs.

Wir lachen oft zusammen über alte Geschichten.

Laughter in Germany is also deeply tied to the concept of 'Humor'. While international stereotypes might suggest Germans are serious, the reality is a rich tradition of 'Kabarett' (political satire) and 'Witze' (jokes) where lachen is the goal. There is also the darker side of laughter, such as auslachen, which means to laugh at someone in a mocking way. This distinction is crucial for learners to avoid social faux pas.

Social Bonding: Laughter serves as a signal of belonging. When a group lacht together, it reinforces their shared identity and mutual understanding.

Das ganze Publikum lachte lautstark über den Komiker.

Furthermore, the word is used in many metaphorical senses. For instance, 'das Glück lacht jemandem' means that luck is shining upon someone. This personification of abstract concepts like luck or the sun ('die Sonne lacht') adds a poetic layer to the verb. Understanding these nuances helps a learner move from basic communication to a more natural, native-like grasp of the language.

Metaphorical Usage: Beyond the physical act, lachen can describe a favorable situation or a bright, cheerful environment.

Heute lacht die Sonne vom Himmel.

In summary, lachen is more than just a verb; it is a window into German social dynamics, emotional expression, and linguistic creativity. Whether you are sharing a 'Witz' at a 'Stammtisch' or watching a 'Komödie', knowing how to use this word correctly is essential for any student of the German language.

Using lachen correctly requires an understanding of its conjugation and its prepositional requirements. As a regular (weak) verb, its conjugation follows a predictable pattern, which is a relief for many beginners. However, the complexity arises when you want to specify *what* or *who* you are laughing at. The most common preposition used with lachen is über, which always takes the accusative case.

Basic Conjugation (Present Tense): Ich lache, du lachst, er/sie/es lacht, wir lachen, ihr lacht, sie/Sie lachen. It is a straightforward weak verb.

Warum lachst du so laut?

When you laugh at a joke, a movie, or a person, you use über + Accusative. For example, 'Ich lache über den Witz' (I am laughing at the joke). If you use 'lachen' without a preposition, it usually refers to the general act of laughing.

Prepositional Usage: Always remember: lachen + über + Akkusativ. This is one of the most frequent structures you will encounter.

Sie lachten den ganzen Abend über seine Missgeschicke.

Another important aspect is the reflexive use of the verb. Phrases like sich kaputtlachen or sich totlachen (literally: to laugh oneself broken/dead) are very common in colloquial German to express that something was incredibly funny. In the past tense, lachen uses the auxiliary verb 'haben' in the Perfekt tense: 'Ich habe gelacht'. The Präteritum (simple past) is 'ich lachte', though this is more common in written stories than in daily conversation.

Past Tense Forms: Perfekt: hat gelacht. Präteritum: lachte. In spoken German, you will almost exclusively use the Perfekt.

Wir haben gestern Tränen gelacht.

You might also see lachen used as a noun: das Lachen. Since all German nouns derived from verbs are neuter, it is always 'das Lachen'. For example, 'Sein Lachen ist ansteckend' (His laughter is contagious).

Ein herzliches Lachen öffnet viele Türen.

Finally, pay attention to prefix-modified versions like anlachen (to smile at someone invitingly) or auslachen (to mock). These change the meaning significantly and are essential for advanced communication. Mastering these patterns will allow you to express a wide range of emotions and reactions in German.

The word lachen is ubiquitous in German-speaking countries, echoing through various social spheres. To truly understand its usage, one must look at where it appears in daily life. From the loud, boisterous laughter at a 'Biergarten' to the subtle, polite laughter in a business meeting, the word and the act it describes are everywhere.

In Entertainment: German television is full of comedy shows like 'Ladykracher' or 'heute-show' where the primary goal is to make the audience lachen. In these contexts, you'll often hear the noun 'Lacher' used to describe a moment that triggered laughter.

Der Kabarettist erntete viele Lacher für seine Witze über die Politik.

In social settings, lachen is a key part of 'Gemütlichkeit'. When friends gather for a 'Feierabendbier', laughter is the sign that the evening is a success. You will hear people saying 'Wir haben so viel gelacht!' as they leave a party, indicating they had a great time. You will also encounter the word in literature and music. Many German 'Schlager' songs or pop hits use lachen to convey themes of love and happiness. For instance, lyrics might describe a lover's laughter as the most beautiful sound. In classical literature, authors like Goethe or Schiller used the word to describe the joy of life or the irony of fate.

In the Workplace: Even in professional settings, laughter is used to build rapport. A common phrase is 'gemeinsam lachen verbindet' (laughing together connects people).

Trotz der harten Arbeit haben wir im Team immer etwas zu lachen.

Children's media is another place where lachen is central. Shows like 'Die Sendung mit der Maus' or 'Sesamstraße' often feature characters who laugh, giggle (kichern), or tell jokes. This is a great resource for learners to hear the word used in simple, clear contexts.

Idiomatic Hearing: You will often hear idioms like 'Da gibt es nichts zu lachen' (There's nothing to laugh about) in serious situations or when someone is being reprimanded.

Wenn die Prüfung beginnt, gibt es nichts mehr zu lachen.

In modern digital communication, Germans use 'lach' or 'lol' in chats, but the word lachen remains the formal and standard way to describe the act. Whether you are reading a newspaper article about a comedy festival or listening to a podcast, the word lachen will be a constant companion in your German learning journey.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using lachen is confusing it with lächeln. In English, we might say 'He is laughing' when someone is just smiling broadly, but in German, these are two distinct actions. Lachen requires sound; lächeln is silent. If you tell someone 'Du lachst schön' when they are only smiling, they might be confused and wonder what sound they are making.

Lachen vs. Lächeln: Lachen = Laugh (vocal). Lächeln = Smile (silent). This is the number one error for beginners.

Falsch: Sie lacht auf dem Foto. (Unless she is mid-laugh). Richtig: Sie lächelt auf dem Foto.

Another common error involves prepositions. Many learners try to translate 'laugh at' literally as 'lachen an' or 'lachen zu'. However, the correct preposition is almost always über + Accusative. Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning or make the sentence unintelligible. Learners also struggle with the difference between lachen and auslachen. If you say 'Ich lache dich', it is grammatically incorrect. You must say 'Ich lache über dich' (I'm laughing at something you did/said) or 'Ich lache dich aus' (I am mocking you). The latter is quite aggressive and should be used with caution.

The Case of 'Auslachen': Auslachen is a separable verb (ich lache aus). It is transitive and takes a direct object in the accusative case.

Man sollte niemanden auslachen, nur weil er einen Fehler macht.

Conjugation mistakes are less common but still occur, especially in the past tense. Some learners might try to make it a strong verb (like 'leichen' or 'gelochen'), but it is strictly weak: lachte, gelacht.

Weak Verb Pitfall: Don't treat 'lachen' as an irregular verb. It follows the standard -te, -t ending rules for the past.

Wir lachten (not 'lochen') stundenlang.

Finally, the reflexive forms like sich kaputtlachen require the correct reflexive pronoun. Saying 'Ich lache kaputt' without the 'mich' is a common omission. Always remember: 'Ich lache mich kaputt'. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can use lachen with confidence and precision.

While lachen is the general term for laughing, German offers a rich palette of synonyms that describe different types of laughter. Choosing the right one can make your German sound much more sophisticated and descriptive.

Lächeln (To Smile): As mentioned, this is the silent version. It is often used for politeness, affection, or subtle amusement.

Sie lächelte ihn freundlich an.

Kichern (To Giggle): This describes a high-pitched, often suppressed laugh. It is typically associated with children, teenagers, or being nervous.

Die Schulkinder kicherten in der letzten Reihe.

Schmunzeln (To Chuckle/Smirk): This is a very 'German' word. It describes a quiet, knowing smile or a small laugh, often because one finds something ironic or clever.

Der Professor musste über die Antwort des Studenten schmunzeln.

For more intense laughter, you can use brüllen (literally: to roar) or wiehern (literally: to neigh like a horse). These are very informal and describe loud, uncontrollable laughter. Prusten is used when someone bursts out laughing suddenly, often while trying to hold it in.

Grinsen (To Grin): This is a broad smile, often mischievous or smug. It is less about joy and more about a specific facial expression.

Er grinste übers ganze Gesicht, als er den Preis gewann.

Finally, glucksen describes a bubbling, low-pitched laugh, often from deep in the throat. By learning these alternatives, you can describe the exact nuance of any humorous situation. Whether it's the Kichern of a child or the Schmunzeln of a wise observer, your German will be much more vivid.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'lachen' has remained remarkably stable in its meaning and form for over a thousand years, showing how fundamental the concept is to human communication.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈlaxn̩/

US /ˈlɑxn̩/

The stress is on the first syllable: LA-chen.

Rima con

machen sachen wachen drachen krachen rachen entfachen flachen

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' (laken).
Pronouncing 'ch' like 'sh' (lashen).
Making the 'a' too long (laaaa-chen).
Confusing it with 'machen' (to do/make).
Failing to produce the guttural 'ch' sound correctly.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to 'laugh'.

Escritura 2/5

Simple conjugation, but requires remembering the preposition 'über'.

Expresión oral 3/5

The 'ch' sound can be tricky for English speakers to master.

Escucha 2/5

Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'machen' in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

ich du wir nicht gut

Aprende después

lächeln weinen witzig über Witz

Avanzado

sardonisch höhnisch Gelächter schmunzeln prusten

Gramática que debes saber

Weak Verb Conjugation

lachen -> lachte -> gelacht

Prepositional Objects with 'über'

Ich lache über den Witz (Akkusativ).

Reflexive Pronouns

Ich lache MICH kaputt.

Separable Prefixes

Ich lache ihn AUS.

Nominalization of Verbs

Das Lachen (always neuter).

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Ejemplos por nivel

Ich lache gern.

I like to laugh.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Du lachst viel.

You laugh a lot.

Present tense, 2nd person singular.

Er lacht laut.

He laughs loudly.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Wir lachen zusammen.

We laugh together.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Warum lachst du?

Why are you laughing?

Question form.

Sie lachen nicht.

They are not laughing.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Das Kind lacht.

The child is laughing.

Subject-verb agreement.

Lachst du über mich?

Are you laughing at me?

Preposition 'über' + accusative 'mich'.

Wir haben gestern viel gelacht.

We laughed a lot yesterday.

Perfekt tense with 'haben'.

Er hat über den Witz gelacht.

He laughed at the joke.

Perfekt tense + 'über' + accusative.

Warum hast du nicht gelacht?

Why didn't you laugh?

Perfekt tense question.

Sie lachte den ganzen Tag.

She laughed all day.

Präteritum (simple past).

Ich lache über diesen Film.

I am laughing at this movie.

Present tense + 'über' + accusative.

Lachen ist gesund.

Laughing is healthy.

Gerund-like use of the verb as a noun.

Mein Bruder lacht immer laut.

My brother always laughs loudly.

Use of the adverb 'immer'.

Sie hat herzlich gelacht.

She laughed heartily.

Adverb 'herzlich'.

Ich habe mich kaputtgelacht.

I laughed myself silly.

Reflexive verb 'sich kaputtlachen'.

Er lacht mich immer aus.

He always mocks me.

Separable verb 'auslachen'.

Die Sonne lacht heute vom Himmel.

The sun is shining brightly today (literally: laughing).

Metaphorical usage.

Es gibt hier nichts zu lachen.

There is nothing to laugh about here.

Idiomatic expression 'nichts zu lachen haben'.

Sie kicherte verlegen.

She giggled embarrassedly.

Synonym 'kichern'.

Wenn er Witze erzählt, muss ich lachen.

When he tells jokes, I have to laugh.

Subordinate clause with 'wenn'.

Wir lachten über seine Missgeschicke.

We laughed at his mishaps.

Präteritum + 'über'.

Das Lachen der Kinder war überall zu hören.

The children's laughter could be heard everywhere.

Noun 'das Lachen' in the genitive case.

Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten.

He who laughs last, laughs best.

Common proverb.

Er konnte sich ein Schmunzeln nicht verkneifen.

He couldn't help but smirk/chuckle.

Synonym 'schmunzeln' as a noun.

Sie lachten Tränen.

They laughed tears.

Idiomatic expression for intense laughter.

Das ist ja zum Lachen!

That's ridiculous/laughable!

Idiomatic expression of disbelief or mockery.

Er lachte aus vollem Hals.

He laughed at the top of his lungs.

Idiomatic phrase for loud laughter.

Man sollte niemanden wegen seiner Fehler auslachen.

One should not mock anyone because of their mistakes.

Modal verb + 'auslachen'.

Sein Lachen klang etwas gezwungen.

His laughter sounded a bit forced.

Adjective 'gezwungen' modifying the noun.

Wir haben uns über die Situation köstlich amüsiert und gelacht.

We were highly amused by the situation and laughed.

Combination of 'amüsieren' and 'lachen'.

Sein lachhaftes Verhalten empörte die Anwesenden.

His ridiculous behavior outraged those present.

Adjective 'lachhaft' (ridiculous).

Das Gelächter im Saal wollte kein Ende nehmen.

The laughter in the hall seemed like it would never end.

Noun 'das Gelächter' (uproarious laughter).

Sie lachte sich ins Fäustchen.

She laughed up her sleeve (secretly gloated).

Idiom 'sich ins Fäustchen lachen'.

Es ist eine Schande, dass er darüber nur lachen kann.

It's a shame that he can only laugh about it.

Complex sentence with 'dass' clause.

Das Schicksal lachte ihm hämisch ins Gesicht.

Fate laughed maliciously in his face.

Personification and literary style.

Er prustete vor Lachen los, als er den Wein trank.

He burst out laughing as he was drinking the wine.

Verb 'prusten' + 'vor Lachen'.

Nichts ist so entwaffnend wie ein ehrliches Lachen.

Nothing is as disarming as an honest laugh.

Comparative structure with 'wie'.

Die Komödie war so flach, dass kaum jemand lachte.

The comedy was so shallow that hardly anyone laughed.

Adjective 'flach' (shallow/unfunny).

Die Ironie der Geschichte ließ ihn nur noch bitter lachen.

The irony of the story only left him with a bitter laugh.

Adverb 'bitter' modifying the verb.

In der Tragikomödie liegt das Lachen oft nah am Weinen.

In tragicomedy, laughter is often close to tears.

Philosophical observation.

Er begegnete der Gefahr mit einem höhnischen Lachen.

He met the danger with a scornful laugh.

Adjective 'höhnisch' (scornful).

Das befreiende Lachen nach der Krise war Balsam für die Seele.

The liberating laughter after the crisis was balm for the soul.

Metaphorical and elevated language.

Die philosophische Abhandlung über das Wesen des Lachens war äußerst komplex.

The philosophical treatise on the essence of laughter was extremely complex.

Academic context.

Man sah ihm an, dass er sich das Lachen mühsam verkneifen musste.

One could see that he was struggling to suppress his laughter.

Complex modal structure.

Sein sardonisches Lachen ließ allen einen Schauer über den Rücken laufen.

His sardonic laughter sent a shiver down everyone's spine.

High-level vocabulary 'sardonisch'.

Das Lachen als anthropologische Konstante ist ein faszinierendes Forschungsfeld.

Laughter as an anthropological constant is a fascinating field of research.

Scientific/Academic register.

Colocaciones comunes

laut lachen

herzlich lachen

über einen Witz lachen

Tränen lachen

sich kaputtlachen

jemanden auslachen

bitter lachen

gezwungen lachen

vor Lachen weinen

nichts zu lachen haben

Frases Comunes

Lachen ist die beste Medizin.

— Laughter is the best medicine. Used to encourage positivity.

Kopf hoch, Lachen ist die beste Medizin!

Da gibt es nichts zu lachen.

— This is a serious matter. No room for jokes.

Bei der Arbeit gibt es nichts zu lachen.

Sich totlachen.

— To laugh oneself to death (figuratively). Something is extremely funny.

Über dieses Video kann man sich totlachen.

Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten.

— He who laughs last, laughs best. Success is determined at the end.

Warte nur ab, wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten.

Ein lachendes und ein weinendes Auge.

— Mixed feelings (one laughing and one crying eye).

Ich gehe mit einem lachenden und einem weinendes Auge.

Lachen bis der Arzt kommt.

— To laugh excessively for a long time.

Wir haben gelacht, bis der Arzt kommt.

Das Lachen vergehen.

— To lose one's sense of humor or joy due to bad news.

Ihm ist das Lachen schnell vergangen.

Sich ins Fäustchen lachen.

— To laugh secretly or gloat.

Er lachte sich ins Fäustchen, als sein Plan aufging.

Lachen ohne Ende.

— Endless laughter.

Auf der Party gab es Lachen ohne Ende.

Ein gequältes Lachen.

— A forced or pained laugh.

Er antwortete mit einem gequälten Lachen.

Se confunde a menudo con

lachen vs lächeln

Lächeln is silent (smile), lachen is vocal (laugh).

lachen vs machen

Similar sound, but 'machen' means 'to do/make'.

lachen vs kochen

Similar 'ch' sound, but 'kochen' means 'to cook'.

Modismos y expresiones

"Sich den Ast lachen"

— To laugh very hard. Originates from the idea of shaking a branch with laughter.

Die Kinder lachten sich den Ast.

informal

"Sich scheckig lachen"

— To laugh until you turn 'spotted' or 'piebald' (very hard).

Wir haben uns über die Geschichte scheckig gelacht.

informal

"Aus dem Lachen nicht mehr herauskommen"

— To be unable to stop laughing.

Ich kam aus dem Lachen gar nicht mehr heraus.

neutral

"Nichts zu beißen, aber zu lachen haben"

— To be poor but happy.

Sie hatten wenig Geld, aber immer etwas zu lachen.

literary

"Jemandem das Lachen beibringen"

— To make someone more cheerful (or sometimes used ironically).

Ich werde dir das Lachen schon noch beibringen!

neutral

"Über das ganze Gesicht lachen"

— To have a huge, beaming laugh/smile.

Sie lachte über das ganze Gesicht.

neutral

"Lachen, dass die Wände wackeln"

— To laugh so loudly that the walls shake.

Sie lachten, dass die Wände wackelten.

informal

"Ein Lachen auf den Lippen haben"

— To be in a cheerful mood or have a smile ready.

Er hat immer ein Lachen auf den Lippen.

neutral

"Sich krumm und schief lachen"

— To laugh so hard you bend over.

Wir haben uns krumm und schief gelacht.

informal

"Lachen ist gesund"

— Laughter is good for your health.

Vergiss nicht: Lachen ist gesund!

proverb

Fácil de confundir

lachen vs lächeln

English uses 'laughing' loosely.

Lachen is loud and vocal; lächeln is just a facial expression without sound.

Sie lächelt für das Foto, aber sie lacht über den Witz.

lachen vs auslachen

Learners think it just means 'laugh at'.

Lachen über is neutral/positive; auslachen is negative and means to mock someone.

Lach nicht über ihn, lach ihn nicht aus!

lachen vs anlachen

Sounds like 'laugh at'.

Anlachen means to smile at someone in a friendly or inviting way.

Das Baby lachte mich an.

lachen vs kichern

A type of laughing.

Kichern is specifically giggling (high-pitched/nervous).

Die Mädchen kicherten im Unterricht.

lachen vs schmunzeln

A type of laughing.

Schmunzeln is a quiet, often ironic chuckle or smile.

Er musste über den Kommentar schmunzeln.

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + lachen + (Adverb).

Ich lache viel.

Subject + lacht + nicht.

Er lacht nicht.

Subject + hat + gelacht.

Wir haben gelacht.

Subject + lacht + über + Accusative.

Sie lacht über den Hund.

Subject + lacht + sich + Adjective.

Ich lache mich kaputt.

Subject + lacht + Object + aus.

Er lacht mich aus.

Das + Lachen + ist + Adjective.

Das Lachen ist ansteckend.

Vor + Lachen + Verb.

Vor Lachen konnte er nicht sprechen.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

das Lachen

das Gelächter

der Lacher

die Lachnummer

der Lachkrampf

das Lachgas

Verbos

lächeln

auslachen

anlachen

kaputtlachen

totlachen

mitlachen

verlachen

Adjetivos

lächerlich

lachhaft

lachlustig

lachfreudig

Relacionado

der Humor

der Witz

die Komödie

lustig

spaßig

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high. It is one of the top 500 most used verbs in German.

Errores comunes

Ich lache an den Witz. → Ich lache über den Witz.
The preposition 'an' is incorrect here. 'Lachen' always takes 'über' when referring to the cause of laughter.
Sie lacht auf dem Foto. → Sie lächelt auf dem Foto.
Unless she is making a loud sound in the photo, 'lächeln' (smile) is the correct verb for facial expressions.
Ich habe gelochen. → Ich habe gelacht.
'Lachen' is a weak verb, so it doesn't change its stem vowel in the past participle. It follows the -t ending rule.
Er lacht mich. → Er lacht über mich / Er lacht mich aus.
'Lachen' needs a preposition or a prefix. 'Lachen über' is laughing at a situation; 'auslachen' is mocking the person.
Ich lache kaputt. → Ich lache mich kaputt.
The expression is reflexive. You must include the reflexive pronoun 'mich' for it to be grammatically correct.

Consejos

Preposition Mastery

Always pair 'lachen' with 'über' + Akkusativ. Practice saying 'Ich lache über dich' vs 'Ich lache über den Witz' to get used to the case.

Lachen vs. Lächeln

Think of 'Lachen' as 'Loud' (both start with L). This helps you remember that 'lachen' involves sound, while 'lächeln' is silent.

The Throat Sound

Don't say 'laken' or 'lashen'. The 'ch' should feel like you are gently clearing your throat. Practice with 'ach', 'dach', and 'lachen'.

Expressing Intensity

To sound like a native, use 'sich kaputtlachen'. It's much more common than just saying 'Ich lache sehr viel' when something is hilarious.

Social Cues

Observe when Germans laugh. It's often used to signal that a joke was understood, even if it wasn't 'belly-laugh' funny. It's a social sign of agreement.

The Last Laugh

Learn 'Wer zuletzt lacht...'. It's a very common proverb that you'll hear in movies, sports, and daily life.

Noun Form

Use 'das Lachen' to describe someone's personality. 'Sie hat ein ansteckendes Lachen' is a great compliment to write in a card.

Reflexive Pronouns

Remember: 'Ich lache MICH', 'Du lachst DICH', 'Er lacht SICH'. The pronoun must match the person laughing.

Sophisticated Choices

Try using 'schmunzeln' in your writing. It shows a higher level of German and describes a very specific, pleasant type of amusement.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'Lark' (a bird) that 'Laughed' at the 'Lachen'. Both start with 'L' and involve making sounds.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant letter 'L' that has a mouth and is laughing loudly with 'ha-ha' bubbles coming out of it.

Word Web

Witz Humor Freude Mund Stimme Spaß Komödie Glück

Desafío

Try to use 'lachen' in three different tenses today: 'Ich lache', 'Ich habe gelacht', and 'Ich lachte'.

Origen de la palabra

From Old High German 'lahhen', which comes from the Proto-Germanic root '*hlahjanan'. It is related to the Old English 'hliehhan' (the ancestor of the modern English 'laugh').

Significado original: The original meaning was always related to the vocal expression of mirth, likely an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of laughter.

Indo-European -> Germanic -> West Germanic -> High German.

Contexto cultural

Be careful with 'auslachen' (mocking), as it is considered very rude and hurtful in German culture, especially in schools or workplaces.

English speakers often use 'laughing' for 'smiling'. In German, this is a major distinction. Also, 'laughing at' is usually 'lachen über', while in English it can sometimes be 'laughing with'.

The poem 'Lachen und Weinen' by Friedrich Rückert, set to music by Franz Schubert. The movie 'Lachen Erlaubt' (Laughter Allowed). The German proverb 'Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am besten'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

At a party

Wir haben viel gelacht.
Erzähl noch einen Witz!
Das ist so lustig!
Ich kann nicht mehr vor Lachen.

Watching a movie

Der Film ist zum Lachen.
Ich habe mich kaputtgelacht.
Ein toller Lacher!
Hast du das gesehen?

In the office

Wir haben im Team viel zu lachen.
Ein bisschen Humor schadet nie.
Lachen verbindet.
Nicht so ernst sein!

With children

Lach doch mal!
Kitzel mich!
Du hast ein schönes Lachen.
Warum kicherst du?

Serious situations

Da gibt es nichts zu lachen.
Hör auf zu lachen!
Das ist nicht witzig.
Warum lachst du jetzt?

Inicios de conversación

"Wann hast du das letzte Mal so richtig viel gelacht?"

"Was bringt dich immer zum Lachen, egal wie schlecht dein Tag ist?"

"Lachst du lieber über Filme oder über Witze von Freunden?"

"Glaubst du, dass Lachen wirklich die beste Medizin ist?"

"Wer in deiner Familie lacht am lautesten?"

Temas para diario

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich kaputtgelacht hast. Was war so lustig?

Warum ist Lachen wichtig für eine gute Freundschaft? Erkläre deine Meinung.

Gibt es Dinge, über die man nicht lachen sollte? Warum oder warum nicht?

Wie unterscheidet sich dein Lachen, wenn du nervös bist, von deinem echten Lachen?

Schreibe über einen deutschen Witz, den du gelernt hast. Findest du ihn witzig?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, 'lachen' is a regular (weak) verb. Its forms are lache, lachte, gelacht. It follows the standard conjugation rules without any stem changes.

'Lachen über' means to laugh at something (like a joke) because it's funny. 'Auslachen' means to mock or ridicule someone. 'Auslachen' is often seen as mean.

No, for a smile you must use 'lächeln'. 'Lachen' always implies that you are making a sound with your voice.

It almost always takes 'über' followed by the accusative case. For example: 'Ich lache über den Witz' (The joke is masculine accusative).

You can say 'Ich lache mich kaputt' or 'Ich lache mich tot'. Both are very common informal expressions.

Yes, all German nouns formed directly from the infinitive of a verb are neuter (e.g., das Lachen, das Essen, das Trinken).

It is the German equivalent of 'He who laughs last, laughs best'. It means that the final winner is the one who truly succeeds.

Yes, it is often used metaphorically. 'Die Sonne lacht' means the sun is shining brightly. 'Das Glück lacht mir' means I am being lucky.

A 'Lachflash' is a modern German slang term for a fit of uncontrollable laughter that lasts for a while.

It is the 'ach-Laut'. It's a rough sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the 'ch' in the Scottish word 'loch'.

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