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A1 verb #2,000 most common 7 min read

Erlauben

At the A1 level, you learn 'erlauben' as a basic word for permission. You use it to talk about what parents allow children to do or what is allowed in a classroom. You mostly see it in the present tense: 'Meine Mutter erlaubt es'. You also learn the adjective 'erlaubt' (allowed) which is very common on signs like 'Parken erlaubt'. At this stage, you should focus on the difference between 'erlauben' and 'dürfen'. You use 'erlauben' when someone else gives permission. You use 'dürfen' when you talk about yourself having that permission. It is a 'weak' verb, so its forms are simple: ich erlaube, du erlaubst, er erlaubt. The past participle is 'erlaubt'. You will mostly use it with simple nouns: 'Er erlaubt den Hund im Haus'.
At A2, you start using 'erlauben' with infinitive clauses. Instead of just saying 'He allows the dog', you say 'He allows the dog to sleep in the bed' (Er erlaubt dem Hund, im Bett zu schlafen). You also learn that 'erlauben' takes the dative case for the person. This is a big step in A2 grammar. You will practice sentences like 'Ich erlaube dir (Dative) das'. You also encounter the word in the past tense (Präteritum: erlaubte) and the perfect tense (hat erlaubt) in simple stories. You might see it in public announcements or simple rules for a shared flat (WG-Regeln). You also begin to see the reflexive use 'sich etwas erlauben' in the sense of 'to afford', though usually in very simple contexts.
At B1, you use 'erlauben' to express more complex social and professional situations. You can discuss workplace rules, such as 'Der Chef erlaubt uns, früher zu gehen'. You also learn to use it in the passive voice or with 'man': 'Es wird nicht erlaubt, hier zu rauchen'. You start to distinguish 'erlauben' from more formal words like 'genehmigen' or 'gestatten'. You also use the reflexive 'sich erlauben' more frequently to talk about financial possibilities: 'Wir können uns diesen Luxus nicht erlauben'. You are expected to use the 'zu + infinitive' structure correctly and consistently. You also learn common phrases like 'wenn Sie erlauben' (if you permit/if you don't mind), which is a polite way to interrupt or add a comment.
At B2, 'erlauben' is used in more abstract and argumentative contexts. You might discuss whether certain laws 'allow' for specific interpretations: 'Das Gesetz erlaubt verschiedene Auslegungen'. You also use the reflexive 'sich etwas erlauben' to describe social behavior, specifically when someone is being cheeky or overstepping boundaries: 'Was erlaubst du dir eigentlich?' (What do you think you're doing? / How dare you?). You understand the nuances between 'erlauben', 'zulassen', and 'einräumen'. You can write formal letters asking for permission ('Ich bitte Sie, mir zu erlauben...') and understand the difference in tone. You also use the participle 'erlaubend' as an adjective in more literary or sophisticated descriptions.
At the C1 level, you master the subtle nuances of 'erlauben' in academic and professional German. You use it to describe logical conclusions: 'Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse erlauben den Schluss, dass...'. You are comfortable with the high-register 'sich erlauben' used as a polite opening in speeches or formal emails: 'Ich erlaube mir, Sie auf folgendes Problem hinzuweisen'. You understand the etymological links to other words and can use the word in ironic or metaphorical ways. You can distinguish between 'erlauben' and 'sanktionieren' (which can mean both to permit and to punish). Your use of the dative and accusative objects is flawless, even in complex sentences with multiple clauses.
At C2, you use 'erlauben' with the precision of a native speaker. You can use it in highly formal legal or philosophical discourses. You understand its use in historical texts and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can use the verb to express subtle shades of irony, authority, or submission. You might use it in a phrase like 'sich einen Scherz erlauben' to describe a complex social maneuver. You are aware of all idiomatic expressions and can use them appropriately in any register. You can also analyze the use of 'erlauben' in literature to show power dynamics between characters. Your command of the verb allows you to use it as a tool for sophisticated rhetoric.
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Erlauben in 30 Seconds

  • Erlauben is the primary German verb for 'to allow' or 'to permit', used in both formal and informal contexts to grant permission.
  • It typically requires a Dative object for the person receiving permission and an Accusative object or a 'zu' infinitive for the action.
  • The reflexive form 'sich erlauben' can mean 'to afford' something financially or 'to take the liberty' of doing something socially.
  • Commonly confused with 'dürfen'; remember that 'erlauben' is the act of giving permission, while 'dürfen' is the state of having it.

The German verb erlauben is a cornerstone of daily communication, fundamentally meaning 'to allow' or 'to permit'. At its core, it describes the act of giving someone the authority or the green light to perform an action. In a grammatical sense, it is a transitive verb that frequently takes a dative object (the person being allowed) and an accusative object (the thing being allowed), or a subordinate clause. Understanding 'erlauben' requires recognizing the subtle shift from formal permission to informal consent. In the German legal and social framework, 'erlauben' carries a weight of formal authorization, yet in a household setting, it is the standard word for parental permission. The word evokes the concept of 'Urlaub' (vacation/leave), which etymologically stems from the same root of 'permission to depart'.

Grammatical Function
It functions as a weak verb (erlaubte, hat erlaubt) and often triggers the dative case for the recipient of the permission.
Semantic Range
Covers everything from legal permits to personal tolerance and logical possibility.
Sociolinguistic Context
Used in both high-register legal documents and low-register family conversations.

Meine Eltern erlauben mir, heute Abend ins Kino zu gehen. (My parents allow me to go to the cinema tonight.)

When we look deeper into the nuances, 'erlauben' contrasts with 'gestatten', which is significantly more formal. While you might ask a friend 'Erlaubst du mir, dein Handy zu benutzen?', a waiter in a five-star restaurant would say 'Gestatten Sie mir, Ihnen den Wein einzuschenken?'. The word 'erlauben' also appears in the reflexive form 'sich etwas erlauben', which can mean 'to afford something' (financially or morally) or 'to take the liberty of doing something'. This reflexive use is vital for B2-C1 learners who wish to express irony or social boundaries. For instance, 'Das kann ich mir nicht erlauben' often means 'I can't afford to risk that'.

Der Arzt hat ihm erlaubt, wieder Sport zu treiben.

Wir erlauben uns, Ihnen ein Angebot zu machen.

Word Origin
From Middle High German 'erlouben', related to 'Lob' (praise/approval).
Synonym Note
'Zulassen' is often used for physical or mechanical allowance, whereas 'erlauben' is more about authority.

Using 'erlauben' correctly involves mastering its three primary structures. The first is the most common: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Dative Person] + [Accusative Thing]. For example, 'Ich erlaube meinem Sohn (Dative) den Ausflug (Accusative)'. The second structure involves an infinitive clause with 'zu': 'Ich erlaube ihm, das Auto zu fahren'. This is the most flexible way to use the verb in complex sentences. The third is the reflexive use: 'Ich erlaube mir einen kleinen Scherz' (I allow myself a little joke). This reflexive form is particularly useful in professional settings when you want to politely introduce a comment or an action.

Structure 1: Dative + Accusative
Direct permission for a specific noun.
Structure 2: Dative + zu-Infinitive
Permission to perform a specific action.
Structure 3: Reflexive (sich erlauben)
To afford or to take the liberty.

Wer hat dir erlaubt, mein Zimmer zu betreten?

In the passive voice, 'erlauben' becomes 'erlaubt sein'. You will see signs everywhere in Germany saying 'Rauchen verboten' (Smoking forbidden) or 'Parken erlaubt' (Parking allowed). Note that in these short phrases, the dative object is usually omitted because the permission applies to everyone. However, if you want to say 'I am allowed', you cannot say 'Ich bin erlaubt'. You must say 'Es ist mir erlaubt' or use the modal verb 'dürfen' (Ich darf). This is a very common mistake for English speakers. 'Erlauben' is the act of giving permission; 'dürfen' is the state of having it.

Der Chef erlaubt keine privaten Telefonate während der Arbeitszeit.

You will encounter 'erlauben' in a variety of environments, from the strictly legal to the casually domestic. In a legal context, a 'Baugenehmigung' (building permit) is a form of 'Erlaubnis'. Police officers might ask, 'Erlauben Sie, dass ich Ihren Kofferraum kontrolliere?' (Will you allow me to check your trunk?). In the workplace, 'erlauben' is used to discuss policies, such as 'Homeoffice ist bei uns erlaubt'. In academic writing, 'erlauben' is often used to describe what data or evidence permits one to conclude: 'Die Daten erlauben keine eindeutige Aussage'.

Ist es erlaubt, hier Fotos zu machen?

In media and literature, 'erlauben' is used to set boundaries between characters. A strict father might say, 'Solange du deine Füße unter meinen Tisch stellst, erlaube ich das nicht!' (A classic German idiom about living under someone's roof). On the news, you might hear about 'erlaubte Grenzwerte' (allowed limit values) for pollution or noise. In the world of finance, 'sich etwas erlauben können' is the standard way to talk about affordability: 'Bei diesen Preisen können wir uns keinen Urlaub erlauben'.

The most frequent error learners make is confusing 'erlauben' with 'dürfen'. Remember: 'erlauben' is a full verb meaning 'to give permission', while 'dürfen' is a modal verb meaning 'to have permission'. You cannot say 'Ich erlaube zu gehen' if you mean 'I am allowed to go'. You must say 'Ich darf gehen'. Another mistake is using the wrong case. The person being permitted must be in the dative case. 'Ich erlaube *dich* das' is wrong; it must be 'Ich erlaube *dir* das'.

Mistake 1: Erlauben vs. Dürfen
Using 'erlauben' to express one's own permission instead of 'dürfen'.
Mistake 2: Case Errors
Using Accusative instead of Dative for the person.
Mistake 3: Word Order
Misplacing the 'zu' in infinitive clauses.

Falsch: Ich bin erlaubt zu rauchen.
Richtig: Mir ist es erlaubt zu rauchen / Ich darf rauchen.

Another subtle mistake is the over-use of 'erlauben' in very formal situations where 'gestatten' or 'bewilligen' (for official applications) would be more appropriate. Furthermore, learners often forget the reflexive 'sich' when talking about what they can afford. 'Ich kann das nicht erlauben' means 'I cannot allow that (to someone else)', whereas 'Ich kann mir das nicht erlauben' means 'I cannot afford that (for myself)'.

Several words share the semantic space of 'erlauben'. 'Gestatten' is the most direct synonym but is much more formal, often used in etiquette or legal language. 'Zulassen' means 'to permit' or 'to tolerate', often used in technical contexts (e.g., a car being 'zugelassen' for the road) or emotional contexts (to let something happen). 'Bewilligen' is specifically used for granting official requests, like a loan or a vacation request from a boss. 'Genehmigen' is the standard bureaucratic term for 'to approve' or 'to authorize'.

Gestatten
Highly formal, used for polite requests or legal permissions.
Zulassen
To let something happen, to admit, or to license.
Genehmigen
To officially approve (e.g., a permit or a budget).
Dürfen
The modal verb equivalent (to be allowed).

Die Stadt hat den Bau des neuen Parks genehmigt.

Understanding the difference between 'erlauben' and 'tolerieren' (to tolerate) is also key. While 'erlauben' implies an active granting of rights, 'tolerieren' implies that something is not explicitly permitted but is not being stopped either. In German, 'dulden' is another word for this kind of passive allowance. For example, 'Das Rauchen wird hier geduldet' (Smoking is tolerated here, even if not officially allowed).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

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Pronunciation Guide

Rhymes With
Glauben Tauben Schrauben

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Examples by Level

1

Meine Mutter erlaubt mir das Eis.

My mother allows me the ice cream.

Simple Dative (mir) + Accusative (das Eis) structure.

2

Ist das hier erlaubt?

Is this allowed here?

Adjectival use of the participle 'erlaubt'.

3

Der Lehrer erlaubt keine Handys.

The teacher allows no cell phones.

Present tense, transitive use.

4

Er erlaubt den Hund im Haus.

He allows the dog in the house.

Direct object 'den Hund'.

5

Wir erlauben das nicht.

We don't allow that.

Negation with 'nicht'.

6

Erlaubst du mir ein Foto?

Do you allow me a photo?

Question form with Dative 'mir'.

7

Das ist nicht erlaubt.

That is not allowed.

Common phrase for rules.

8

Mein Vater erlaubt die Party.

My father allows the party.

Subject-Verb-Object.

1

Er erlaubt mir, heute länger zu bleiben.

He allows me to stay longer today.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

2

Meine Eltern erlaubten mir den Urlaub.

My parents allowed me the vacation.

Präteritum (simple past) tense.

3

Hat der Arzt dir das erlaubt?

Did the doctor allow you that?

Perfekt tense with 'haben'.

4

Wir erlauben unseren Kindern, fernzusehen.

We allow our children to watch TV.

Separable verb 'fernsehen' in 'zu' clause.

5

Es ist hier nicht erlaubt zu rauchen.

It is not allowed to smoke here.

Impersonal 'es ist' + infinitive.

6

Darf ich mir eine Frage erlauben?

May I allow myself a question?

Reflexive 'sich' + modal 'dürfen'.

7

Sie erlaubt ihm, ihr Auto zu fahren.

She allows him to drive her car.

Dative 'ihm' + infinitive clause.

8

Der Chef hat die Pause erlaubt.

The boss allowed the break.

Perfekt tense.

1

Das Budget erlaubt uns keine großen Sprünge.

The budget doesn't allow us any big leaps (extravagance).

Metaphorical use regarding finances.

2

Wenn Sie erlauben, würde ich gerne etwas hinzufügen.

If you permit, I would like to add something.

Polite conditional phrase.

3

Wir können uns diesen Urlaub dieses Jahr nicht erlauben.

We cannot afford this vacation this year.

Reflexive 'sich erlauben' meaning 'to afford'.

4

Die Hausordnung erlaubt keine Haustiere.

The house rules allow no pets.

Abstract subject 'Hausordnung'.

5

Er hat sich einen Scherz mit uns erlaubt.

He played a joke on us (allowed himself a joke).

Idiomatic reflexive use.

6

Es wurde uns erlaubt, das Gebäude zu betreten.

We were allowed to enter the building.

Passive voice with Dative.

7

Meine Gesundheit erlaubt mir keinen Sport.

My health doesn't allow me any sports.

Inanimate subject 'Gesundheit'.

8

Erlauben Sie mir, mich kurz vorzustellen.

Allow me to briefly introduce myself.

Formal introductory phrase.

1

Was erlauben Sie sich eigentlich?

What do you think you're doing? (How dare you?)

Reflexive 'sich' used to express indignation.

2

Die Beweislage erlaubt keinen anderen Schluss.

The evidence allows for no other conclusion.

Abstract academic/legal usage.

3

Ich erlaube mir, Sie an den Termin zu erinnern.

I take the liberty of reminding you of the appointment.

Formal 'sich erlauben' + infinitive.

4

Der neue Vertrag erlaubt mehr Flexibilität.

The new contract allows for more flexibility.

Abstract noun as object.

5

Er hat sich einen groben Fehler erlaubt.

He committed (allowed himself) a major mistake.

Reflexive use for negative actions.

6

Die Sicherheitsbestimmungen erlauben keine Ausnahme.

The safety regulations allow no exception.

Formal regulation context.

7

Erlauben Sie, dass ich mich setze?

Do you permit that I sit down?

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

8

Das Wetter erlaubte keine Wanderung.

The weather didn't permit a hike.

Inanimate subject 'Wetter'.

1

Die ökonomische Situation erlaubt keine Steuersenkungen.

The economic situation permits no tax cuts.

High-register political/economic usage.

2

Ich erlaube mir, auf Ihr Schreiben vom 5. Mai Bezug zu nehmen.

I take the liberty of referring to your letter of May 5th.

Standard formal correspondence opener.

3

Diese Theorie erlaubt eine völlig neue Sichtweise.

This theory allows for a completely new perspective.

Epistemic use in academic discourse.

4

Er hat sich eine Unverschämtheit erlaubt.

He committed an insolence.

Reflexive use for social transgressions.

5

Die Zeit erlaubt es mir leider nicht, tiefer darauf einzugehen.

Time unfortunately does not permit me to go into more detail.

Personification of 'Zeit'.

6

Man darf sich keine Schwäche erlauben.

One cannot afford to show any weakness.

Reflexive use in a competitive context.

7

Die technischen Gegebenheiten erlauben eine effiziente Nutzung.

The technical conditions allow for efficient use.

Technical/Industrial register.

8

Erlauben Sie mir diese Bemerkung am Rande.

Allow me this side remark.

Polite rhetorical insertion.

1

Die Komplexität des Themas erlaubt keine vorschnellen Urteile.

The complexity of the topic permits no hasty judgments.

Sophisticated abstract reasoning.

2

Er erlaubte sich eine feine Ironie, die kaum jemand bemerkte.

He allowed himself a subtle irony that hardly anyone noticed.

Literary description of social nuance.

3

Das Schicksal erlaubte ihnen kein Wiedersehen.

Fate did not permit them a reunion.

Poetic/Literary personification.

4

Ich erlaube mir, die Validität Ihrer Argumente anzuzweifeln.

I take the liberty of doubting the validity of your arguments.

Highly formal academic challenge.

5

Die Quellenlage erlaubt lediglich Vermutungen.

The available sources permit only conjectures.

Historical/Scientific register.

6

Sich eine eigene Meinung zu erlauben, war in jenem System gefährlich.

To allow oneself an independent opinion was dangerous in that system.

Substantivized infinitive phrase.

7

Die Etikette erlaubt hier keinen Spielraum.

Etiquette allows no leeway here.

Social/Normative register.

8

Erlauben Sie, dass ich diese These einer kritischen Prüfung unterziehe.

Allow me to subject this thesis to a critical examination.

Complex formal syntax.

Common Collocations

den Zutritt erlauben
eine Ausnahme erlauben
sich einen Scherz erlauben
der Anstand erlaubt es
die Zeit erlaubt es
ein Fehler erlauben
offiziell erlaubt
gesetzlich erlaubt
ausdrücklich erlaubt
stillschweigend erlaubt

Common Phrases

Wenn Sie erlauben...

Das ist nicht erlaubt.

Sich etwas erlauben können.

Wer hat dir das erlaubt?

Es ist mir erlaubt.

Erlauben Sie mal!

Sich einen Luxus erlauben.

Die Umstände erlauben es.

Parken verboten, Halten erlaubt.

Eintritt erlaubt.

Often Confused With

Erlauben vs dürfen

Dürfen is the modal verb for having permission; erlauben is the act of giving it.

Erlauben vs lassen

Lassen means 'to let' or 'to leave', often implying less active permission than erlauben.

Erlauben vs gestatten

Gestatten is simply a more formal version of erlauben.

Idioms & Expressions

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Easily Confused

Erlauben vs

Erlauben vs

Erlauben vs

Erlauben vs

Erlauben vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

passive voice

In the passive, the dative remains: 'Mir wird erlaubt' (I am being allowed).

reflexive nuance

'Sich etwas erlauben' can imply a sense of daring or financial capacity.

Common Mistakes
  • Ich bin erlaubt zu gehen.
  • Ich erlaube dich.
  • Er erlaubt mir gehen.
  • Ich kann das nicht erlauben (meaning afford).
  • Die Erlauben ist wichtig.

Tips

Dative First

Always put the person in the dative case right after the verb.

Dürfen vs Erlauben

Use 'dürfen' for 'can I?' and 'erlauben' for 'he lets me'.

Polite Interruption

Start with 'Wenn Sie erlauben...' to be very polite.

Signs

Look for 'erlaubt' on signs to know the local rules.

Formal Letters

Use 'Ich erlaube mir...' to sound professional.

German Rules

Germans take 'Erlaubnis' seriously; always check first.

Urlaub Connection

Connect 'erlauben' to 'Urlaub' (vacation permission).

Case Clues

Listen for 'mir' or 'ihm' to identify the recipient.

Reflexive Irony

Use 'sich erlauben' for subtle social commentary.

Infinitive Clauses

Master the 'zu' structure for B1/B2 exams.

Memorize It

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'erlouben', from Old High German 'irloubōn'.

Cultural Context

Using 'Wenn Sie erlauben' shows high social competence.

The debate over 'erlauben' vs. 'verbieten' is central to German pedagogical discussions.

Permission is often formal and written (schriftliche Erlaubnis).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Was haben dir deine Eltern als Kind nie erlaubt?"

"Ist es in deinem Land erlaubt, in der Öffentlichkeit Alkohol zu trinken?"

"Würdest du deinen Kindern erlauben, ein Tattoo zu bekommen?"

"Was erlaubst du dir in deinem Job, was andere nicht tun?"

"Gibt es Regeln in deiner Stadt, die du nicht sinnvoll findest?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du dir etwas Besonderes erlaubt hast.

Welche Dinge sollten in Schulen erlaubt sein, die es momentan nicht sind?

Kann man sich heutzutage noch erlauben, keine sozialen Medien zu nutzen?

Beschreibe die wichtigste Erlaubnis, die du jemals erhalten hast.

Was bedeutet Freiheit für dich im Kontext von 'erlauben' und 'verbieten'?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that is a literal translation from English. You should say 'Ich darf' or 'Es ist mir erlaubt'.

Gestatten is much more formal and used in high-society or legal contexts. Erlauben is standard.

Yes, the person who receives the permission is always in the dative case.

Yes, but only in the reflexive form 'sich etwas erlauben (können)'.

The noun is 'die Erlaubnis'.

It is a weak verb (erlaubte, hat erlaubt).

You say 'Rauchen ist erlaubt'.

Yes, like 'Das Wetter erlaubt keinen Ausflug'.

It means 'How dare you!' or 'What do you think you're doing?'

Yes, historically it meant the 'permission' to leave one's post.

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