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
der Anlass
occasion
A special event, often a celebration or an official event.
EXAMPLE
Die Preisverleihung war ein festlicher Anlass.
The award ceremony was a festive occasion.
Anlass geben zu
to give cause for
A situation or behavior that causes a particular reaction or a particular feeling.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten gab Anlass zur Sorge.
His behavior gave cause for concern.
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 Grund
reason / ground
Der Grund generally explains why someone acts or why something happens. Der Anlass is usually the specific circumstance that directly triggers the action, but it does not have to be its deeper cause. Grund is therefore appropriate for the actual justification, while Anlass fits the direct trigger.
Anlass
Der Anlass für ihre Kündigung war ein neuer Streit mit dem Chef.
The occasion for her resignation was a new argument with her boss.
Grund
Der Grund für ihre Kündigung war die dauerhafte Überlastung.
The reason she resigned was the constant overload.
In real life
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