01
der Anlass
reason
The cause, reason, or trigger for an action or event.
example
Was war der Anlass für deine Kündigung?
What was the reason for your resignation?
der Anlass
reason / occasion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word “Anlass” (reason/occasion) is derived from the verb “anlassen,” which can mean “to start something” or “to set something in motion.” An “Anlass” is therefore literally the starting point or trigger for an event or action.
EXAMPLE
Der Fund alter Briefe war der Anlass für ihre Recherche.
The discovery of old letters was the reason for her research.
Context clue
You can often recognize the meanings from context. When “Anlass” (reason) is a reason, it answers the question “Why?” When it is an event, it is often described with adjectives like “festlich” (festive), “offiziell” (official), or “besonderer” (special).
EXAMPLE
Der Anlass für die Feier war sein 80. Geburtstag.
The reason for the celebration was his 80th birthday.
Typical prepositions
In the meaning “reason,” “Anlass” is often used with the prepositions “zu” or “für.” The phrase “aus gegebenem Anlass” is a formal way of saying that there is a current, specific reason for something.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt keinen Anlass zur Panik.
There is no reason to panic.
Typical collocations
When “Anlass” (occasion) describes an event, it is often combined with verbs like “feiern” (to celebrate) or “stattfinden” (to take place). Typical adjectives are “festlich” (festive), “freudig” (joyful), or also “traurig” (sad).
EXAMPLE
Eine Hochzeit ist ein freudiger Anlass.
A wedding is a joyful occasion.
Fixed expression
The phrase “Anlass geben zu” (to give cause for) is a fixed construction. “Zu” is always followed by a noun in the dative. It expresses that a behavior or situation causes something specific.
EXAMPLE
Ihre unklaren Aussagen gaben Anlass zu Spekulationen.
Her unclear statements gave cause for speculation.
Compare with
Anlass vs Tag
day
'der Tag' and 'der Anlass' can both have to do with a special event. 'Tag' here refers more to the point in time or the date when something happens. 'Anlass' means the reason for something or the special event itself, for example a celebration. Learners may confuse the words because you can talk about a 'besonderer Tag' (special day) and a 'besonderer Anlass' (special occasion). If you mean the date or period of time, use 'Tag'. If you mean the reason or the celebration, 'Anlass' fits better.
Anlass
Zum Anlass ihres Geburtstags lädt Sofia die ganze Familie ein.
On the occasion of her birthday, Sofia invites the whole family.
Tag
Ich erinnere mich noch gut an den Tag unserer Hochzeit.
I still remember the day of our wedding well.
In real life
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