Possibility with 'sich lassen' (Passiversatz)
sich lassen + Infinitiv to elegantly express that something is possible or can be done.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'sich lassen' + infinitive to express that something is possible or doable, replacing the passive voice with modal meaning.
- Use 'sich lassen' to express possibility: 'Das lässt sich machen' (That can be done).
- The main verb always stays in the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
- It functions like 'können' + passive: 'Das kann gemacht werden' equals 'Das lässt sich machen'.
Overview
Sich lassen combined with an infinitive (sich lassen + Infinitiv) represents a sophisticated and inherently German grammatical construction at the C1 level. It functions as a passive substitute (Passiversatz), expressing the possibility or feasibility of an action without explicitly stating an agent. This structure shifts the focus from who performs the action to the inherent potential or nature of the subject itself that allows the action to occur.
Rather than merely stating Das kann man reparieren (One can repair that), the more idiomatic and concise Das lässt sich reparieren (That can be repaired/is repairable) highlights the object's intrinsic quality. It conveys that the das Problem possesses the quality of being solvable, or die Tür is inherently openable. This nuance is crucial for advanced learners, as it moves beyond direct translation and into the core of German idiomatic expression, often found in technical specifications, objective reports, and refined conversational German.
How This Grammar Works
sich lassen + Infinitiv is an active construction that carries a passive meaning of possibility. It describes a state or a potential inherent in the subject. The key components are the modal verb lassen (in its specific function here, not its causative meaning of "to let/allow"), and the reflexive pronoun sich.lassen: In this context, lassen functions as a modal verb similar to können (can) or möglich sein (to be possible). It indicates that the subject permits or allows the action of the infinitive to happen to it. This isn't the causative lassen (e.g., Ich lasse mein Auto reparieren – I have my car repaired), but rather a distinct, detransitivizing use that emphasizes feasibility.sich: The reflexive pronoun sich (or mich, dich, uns, euch depending on the subject) is indispensable. It performs a detransitivizing function, effectively making the action reflexive upon the subject in a passive sense. While the verb in the infinitive is typically transitive (requiring an accusative object), sich absorbs this object role semantically.Man kann das Fenster öffnen (One can open the window). The object is das Fenster. With sich lassen, das Fenster becomes the subject: Das Fenster lässt sich öffnen (The window can be opened/is openable).das Fenster has the inherent quality of being opened, rather than focusing on an external agent doing the opening. This construction is therefore perfect for situations where the agent is unknown, irrelevant, or intentionally omitted.kann + Passiv construction. It's often used when describing features, qualities, or conditions of objects, systems, or situations.Der Text lässt sich leicht lesen.(The text can be read easily / is easy to read.) – Implies the text's inherent readability.Diese die Tür lässt sich nicht schließen.(This door cannot be closed.) – Describes a quality or defect of the door itself.Das System lässt sich problemlos konfigurieren.(The system can be configured without problems.) – Highlights the system's inherent configurability.
Formation Pattern
sich lassen + Infinitiv follows a clear, consistent structure. Understanding the correct word order and conjugation is paramount for accurate C1 German.
lassen.
lassen:
Hauptsätze), the conjugated form of lassen occupies the second position.
Nebensätze), lassen moves to the very end of the clause, typically before or after the infinitive, depending on stylistic preference or specific adverbial placement.
mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich) must immediately follow the conjugated lassen in a main clause, or the subject/initial conjunction in an inverted or subordinate clause. It must agree in person and number with the subject.
leicht, schwer, gut, problemlos) that modify the possibility or manner of the action are placed between the reflexive pronoun and the infinitive.
[Subject] + [conjugated lassen] + [reflexive pronoun] + [adverb/adverbial phrase (optional)] + [Infinitive]
lassen (as a modal substitute):
sich lassen is less common in spoken German, especially when lassen functions as a modal verb substitute. When used, haben combines with the infinitive lassen rather than the past participle gelassen to form the Perfekt of a modal verb, following the Ersatzinfinitiv rule. For example: Das Problem hat sich lösen lassen. (That problem could be solved.) This makes it distinct from the Perfekt of causative lassen (Ich habe mein Auto reparieren lassen.).
Die die Aufgabe lässt sich schnell erledigen. (The task can be done quickly.)
Lässt sich die Rechnung noch stornieren? (Can the invoice still be cancelled?)
Ich bin froh, dass sich das Missverständnis klären lässt. (I am glad that the misunderstanding can be clarified.)
lassen moves to the end of the subordinate clause.
Das das Dokument ließ sich gestern nicht öffnen. (The document couldn't be opened yesterday.)
When To Use It
Sich lassen + Infinitiv is an indispensable tool for expressing possibility, feasibility, or inherent quality in German, particularly in contexts where conciseness and an agentless perspective are valued. Mastering its usage elevates your German from merely correct to genuinely idiomatic.Dieses das Buch lässt sich gut lesen.(This book can be read well / is good to read.) – It possesses the quality of being readable.Der Fleck lässt sich mit diesem der Mittel entfernen.(The stain can be removed with this agent.) – The stain's nature allows for removal by the agent.
Das das Display lässt sich um 360 Grad drehen.(The display can be rotated 360 degrees.)Die die Software lässt sich auf allen die Plattformen installieren.(The software can be installed on all platforms.)
sich lassen allows you to omit the agent, making the statement more objective and focused on the action or its result.Solche die Fehler lassen sich vermeiden.(Such mistakes can be avoided.) – The focus is on the avoidability of the errors, not who avoids them.Der der Schlüssel lässt sich nicht finden.(The key cannot be found.) – The inability to find the key is the central point, not the searcher.
leicht (easily), schwer (with difficulty), gut (well), schlecht (poorly), einfach (simply), problemlos (without problems).Dieses das Gerät lässt sich sehr leicht bedienen.(This device can be operated very easily.)Das das Rätsel lässt sich nur schwer lösen.(The riddle can only be solved with difficulty.)
können + Passiv (kann + Partizip II + werden) or man kann + Aktiv. This makes it prevalent in academic texts, official documents, and professional communication.- Instead of
Es kann nicht mehr viel daran geändert werden, say:Daran lässt sich nicht mehr viel ändern.(Not much more can be changed about that.)
sich lassen:Das lässt sich machen!(That can be done! / No problem!)Das lässt sich einrichten.(That can be arranged.)Das lässt sich sehen!(That looks good! / That's impressive!)Das lässt sich nicht vermeiden.(That cannot be avoided.)Er lässt sich leicht ablenken.(He is easily distracted.)
sich lassen, you demonstrate a nuanced understanding of German modality and voice, adding precision and sophistication to your expression. It implies a deeper consideration of the subject's properties and the inherent potential for action.Common Mistakes
sich lassen + Infinitiv can be a source of common errors due to its specific requirements and potential confusion with other lassen constructions. Awareness of these pitfalls is key to accurate usage.sich):sich, the meaning reverts to the causative lassen (to let/allow), which drastically alters the sentence's intention. The pronoun is integral to establishing the passive possibility.- Incorrect:
Das das Problem lässt lösen.(The problem lets solve.) – Grammatically unsound. - Correct:
Das das Problem lässt sich lösen.(The problem can be solved.)
lassen (jemanden/etwas lassen + Infinitiv):lassen + Infinitiv, the presence of sich (or another reflexive pronoun) fundamentally changes the meaning. Causative lassen means "to let, to allow, or to have something done by someone."- Causative:
Ich lasse den Mechaniker mein das Auto reparieren.(I have the mechanic repair my car.) - Passive Possibility:
Mein das Auto lässt sich noch reparieren.(My car can still be repaired.) – Here,sichrefers back toMein Auto, indicating its repairability.
Sich lassen + Infinitiv can generally only be used with transitive verbs – those that normally take a direct accusative object. Intransitive verbs (e.g., gehen, schlafen, stehen, sein, werden) do not work with this construction because there's no logical object for the passive action.- Incorrect:
Es lässt sich gut gehen.(It can be gone well.) – Nonsensical.gehenis intransitive. - Incorrect:
Das lässt sich sein.(That can be.) –seinis intransitive and cannot take a passive meaning here. - Correct (alternative for intransitive context):
Man kann gut gehen.(One can walk well.) orEs ist möglich zu gehen.(It is possible to walk.)
- Main Clause:
[Subject] + [conjugated lassen] + [sich] + [adverb] + [Infinitive] - Incorrect:
Der der Schrank lässt sich aufbauen leicht. - Correct:
Der der Schrank lässt sich leicht aufbauen.(The cabinet can be assembled easily.) - Subordinate Clause:
..., dass [Subject] + [sich] + [adverb] + [Infinitive] + [conjugated lassen].(Note:lassencomes after the infinitive following the Ersatzinfinitiv rule in subordinate clauses when it acts as a modal verb.) - Incorrect:
Ich hoffe, dass der Fehler sich finden lässt schnell. - Correct:
Ich hoffe, dass sich der Fehler schnell finden lässt.(I hope that the error can be found quickly.)
sich is common for third-person singular/plural, remember mich, dich, uns, euch.- Incorrect:
Ich lasse sich nicht überzeugen. - Correct:
Ich lasse mich nicht überzeugen.(I cannot be convinced.) - Incorrect:
Ihr lasst sich nicht aufhalten. - Correct:
Ihr lasst euch nicht aufhalten.(You cannot be stopped.)
sich lassen is not always interchangeable with kann + Passiv. It often implies an inherent quality. Using it when a simple passive with können is more direct might sound slightly forced.Der der Kuchen kann gebacken werden.(The cake can be baked.) – Focus on the action by someone.Dieser der Kuchen lässt sich gut backen.(This cake bakes well / is good for baking.) – Focus on the cake's quality or recipe.
sich lassen and achieve a higher degree of grammatical precision.Real Conversations
Sich lassen + Infinitiv is far from a purely academic construction; it permeates everyday German conversation, technical discourse, and even digital communication due to its efficiency and specific nuance. Observing its use in authentic contexts helps solidify understanding.
1. Everyday Interactions and Problem Solving:
This construction is highly practical for discussing feasibility, convenience, or difficulties related to tasks and situations.
- Scenario: You're trying to fix a broken shelf.
- Der der Schraubenzieher passt nicht. Die die Schraube lässt sich nicht drehen. (The screwdriver doesn't fit. The screw cannot be turned.) – Describes the screw's resistance.
- Scenario: Making plans with a friend.
- Um 18 Uhr? Ja, das lässt sich einrichten. (At 6 PM? Yes, that can be arranged.) – A common, polite way to confirm availability.
- Scenario: Discussing a proposal at work.
- Die die Kosten lassen sich sicher noch reduzieren. (The costs can surely still be reduced.) – Expresses optimism about reducing costs due to their nature.
2. Technical and Professional Contexts:
User manuals, product specifications, scientific articles, and business reports frequently employ sich lassen for objective descriptions and agentless statements.
- User Manual: Das das Gerät lässt sich intuitiv bedienen und schnell reinigen. (The device can be operated intuitively and cleaned quickly.) – Highlights design features.
- Business Email: Die die Besprechung lässt sich auf nächste die Woche verschieben. (The meeting can be postponed to next week.) – A formal, yet flexible statement.
- Scientific Report: Die die Ergebnisse lassen sich wie folgt interpretieren: (The results can be interpreted as follows:) – Introduces an objective interpretation.
3. Social Media and Informal Communication:
In concise digital communication, sich lassen adds a touch of naturalness and sophistication.
- Commenting on a photo: Wow, das lässt sich sehen! (Wow, that's impressive/worth seeing!) – A common compliment.
- Describing a difficult situation: Die die Situation lässt sich kaum ertragen. (The situation can hardly be endured.) – Expresses strong feeling about the situation's inherent difficulty.
- Responding to a suggestion: Gute die Idee, das lässt sich umsetzen! (Good idea, that can be implemented!) – Affirming feasibility.
4. Expressing Personal Predispositions or Reactions:
When applied to people, sich lassen often describes an inherent tendency or how one can be affected by something, emphasizing their nature.
- Er lässt sich nicht gerne fotografieren. (He doesn't like being photographed / He cannot easily be photographed.) – Describes his aversion.
- Sie lässt sich leicht ablenken. (She is easily distracted.) – Describes her inherent tendency to be distracted.
These examples illustrate that sich lassen is not confined to formal language but is a versatile construction found across various communicative registers, making its mastery essential for comprehensive C1 fluency.
Quick FAQ
sich lassen + Infinitiv can clarify remaining uncertainties and reinforce correct usage.sich lassen + Infinitiv always passive in meaning?Yes, fundamentally. Although the grammatical structure is active (subject + lassen + reflexive pronoun), the meaning conveyed is inherently passive. It translates to "can be [done]" or "is [doable]." The subject is the recipient of the action, not the performer.
Predominantly, it's used in the Present (Präsens) and Simple Past (Präteritum). The Perfekt (e.g., hat sich lösen lassen) is grammatically correct but less common in everyday speech, particularly when lassen functions modally, adhering to the Ersatzinfinitiv rule. The Future I (Futur I) (wird sich lösen lassen) is also possible but often replaced by Präsens with a future adverb.
Das lässt sich lösen and Das kann gelöst werden?Both express possibility, but with a subtle difference in emphasis and stylistic impact:
Das kann gelöst werden.(That can be solved.) – This is a standard passive construction with a modal verb. It's direct and factual, focusing on the possibility of the action being performed.Das lässt sich lösen.(That can be solved / is solvable.) – This emphasizes the inherent property or quality of the subject (the problem) that makes it solvable. It suggests the problem itself allows for a solution. It's often perceived as more elegant, concise, and stylistically refined.
sich lassen for people?Yes, but with caution and understanding. When used with people, it still conveys a passive possibility. It often describes how a person can be influenced, perceived, or affected, rather than their active doing.
Er lässt sich leicht irritieren.(He can be easily irritated / is easily irritated.) – Describes his susceptibility.Sie lässt sich nicht gerne anlügen.(She doesn't like to be lied to / cannot easily be lied to.) – Describes her aversion to being subjected to that action.
sich lassen?Yes. As discussed in "Common Mistakes," intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take an accusative object, e.g., gehen, schlafen, stehen, sein, werden) are incompatible with sich lassen. This construction fundamentally requires a verb that can conceptually undergo an action, i.e., a transitive verb.
sich lassen express obligation, like sein + zu + Infinitiv?No. While sein + zu + Infinitiv (Das Problem ist zu lösen. – The problem must be solved) can imply a strong obligation or necessity, sich lassen strictly conveys possibility or feasibility. Never confuse the two; their modal implications are distinct.
sich lassen considered an advanced structure?It's advanced because it requires a nuanced understanding of German modality, transitivity, and agentless constructions. It's not a direct translation from English and demands an appreciation for stylistic choice and conciseness that goes beyond basic grammar rules. Its mastery demonstrates a strong grasp of idiomatic German.
sich lassen + Infinitiv in your C1 German communication.Conjugation of 'sich lassen'
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
|
ich
|
lasse mich
|
|
du
|
lässt dich
|
|
er/sie/es
|
lässt sich
|
|
wir
|
lassen uns
|
|
ihr
|
lasst euch
|
|
sie/Sie
|
lassen sich
|
Meanings
This construction replaces the passive voice with a modal meaning, specifically indicating that an action is possible or feasible.
Possibility/Feasibility
Expressing that an action can be performed on an object.
“Die Tür lässt sich nicht öffnen.”
“Das lässt sich nicht ändern.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + lässt sich + Inf
|
Das lässt sich machen.
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + lässt sich nicht + Inf
|
Das lässt sich nicht machen.
|
|
Question
|
Lässt sich + Subj + Inf?
|
Lässt sich das machen?
|
|
Past
|
Subj + ließ sich + Inf
|
Das ließ sich machen.
|
Formality Spectrum
Die Aufgabe lässt sich erledigen. (Workplace)
Die Aufgabe lässt sich machen. (Workplace)
Das geht klar. (Workplace)
Läuft. (Workplace)
Passiversatz Overview
Meaning
- Möglichkeit Possibility
Usage
- Formal Formal
Examples by Level
Das lässt sich machen.
That can be done.
Die Tür lässt sich öffnen.
The door can be opened.
Das Problem lässt sich lösen.
The problem can be solved.
Diese Frage lässt sich nicht einfach beantworten.
This question cannot be answered easily.
Die Ergebnisse lassen sich durch die Daten belegen.
The results can be proven by the data.
Es lässt sich kaum leugnen, dass...
It can hardly be denied that...
Easily Confused
Both use 'lassen'.
Common Mistakes
Das lässt machen.
Das lässt sich machen.
Das lässt sich gemacht.
Das lässt sich machen.
Ich lasse mich das machen.
Das lässt sich machen.
Das lässt sich zu machen.
Das lässt sich machen.
Sentence Patterns
Das ___ sich ___.
Real World Usage
Das lässt sich per Update beheben.
Focus on the object
Smart Tips
Use 'sich lassen' to sound objective.
Pronunciation
Stress
Stress 'lässt'.
Statement
Das LÄSST sich MAchen.
Neutral assertion of possibility.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'sich lassen' as 'letting itself be done'.
Visual Association
Imagine a heavy box that 'lets itself' be lifted easily because it has wheels.
Rhyme
Was sich machen lässt, ist gut, das gibt dir neuen Lernmut.
Story
I had a broken bike. I looked at it and said: 'Das lässt sich reparieren.' I grabbed my tools. It was easy. Now I ride it everywhere.
Word Web
Challenge
Find 3 things in your room today and say: 'Das lässt sich [verb]'.
Cultural Notes
Used to maintain objectivity in papers.
Derived from the verb 'lassen' (to let/allow).
Conversation Starters
Was lässt sich heute noch erledigen?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Das Problem ___ sich lösen.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercisesDas Problem ___ sich lösen.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exerciseslassen / sich / die / nicht / Fehler / vermeiden
The password can be changed in the settings.
Match the pairs:
The stain cannot be removed.
Die {die|f} Situation ___ ___ nicht länger ignorieren.
Ich denke, dass der {der|m} Plan sich lässt umsetzen.
Solche {die|f} Momente ___ sich nicht planen.
Translate to German using 'sich lassen'.
We cannot be discouraged.
Das ___ sich sehen ___!
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
Yes, use 'ließ sich'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
se puede + infinitive
Spanish uses 'poder', German uses 'lassen'.
se laisser + infinitive
German is strictly passive replacement.
can be + past participle
English uses standard passive.
potential form
German uses a separate verb.
passive voice
German uses a periphrastic construction.
可以 + verb
German adds the reflexive element.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Polite Wishes with 'möchten' (would like)
Ever felt like a total jerk when asking for a coffee in a foreign language? You're not alone. In German, saying "I want"...
German Indirect Speech (Konjunktiv I): Reporting What Others Say
Overview German indirect speech, primarily expressed through the **Konjunktiv I** mood, is a sophisticated grammatical t...
Reporting What Others Say: The Special Forms of "Being" (Konjunktiv I: sein)
Overview The German **Konjunktiv I** functions as a grammatical mood primarily used for **indirect speech** (Indirekte R...
German Irrealis: Wishes and 'What-Ifs' (Konjunktiv II)
Overview German `Konjunktiv II`, often termed the **Irrealis**, represents the mood of unreality, possibility, and desir...
Reporting What Others Said: Modal Verbs (Konjunktiv I)
Overview Konjunktiv I, specifically with modal verbs, is a critical grammatical mood in German primarily employed for **...
