01
hinterlassen
to leave
To leave something behind in a place when you go away. This can happen intentionally or unintentionally.
example
Bitte hinterlassen Sie eine Nachricht nach dem Piepton.
Please leave a message after the beep.
hinterlassen
to leave / bequeath
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Hinterlassen' (to leave / bequeath) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'hinter-' remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all tenses and sentence constructions and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er hat bei seinem Auszug die Wohnung sehr sauber hinterlassen.
When he moved out, he left the apartment very clean.
Typical collocations
When leaving something behind, 'hinterlassen' (to leave) is often combined with information or small objects. Typical phrases are: 'eine Nachricht hinterlassen' (to leave a message), 'seine Telefonnummer hinterlassen' (to leave one's phone number), or 'einen Schlüssel hinterlassen' (to leave a key).
EXAMPLE
Der Gast hat an der Rezeption einen Brief für Sie hinterlassen.
The guest left a letter for you at reception.
Sentence structure with dative
In the meaning 'vererben' (to bequeath), 'hinterlassen' is often used with a person in the dative and a thing in the accusative. The structure is: subject leaves [dative: to whom?] [accusative: what?].
EXAMPLE
Die Tante hat ihrer Nichte ein kleines Vermögen hinterlassen.
The aunt bequeathed her niece a small fortune.
Abstract objects
When 'hinterlassen' (to leave) describes an effect, it is used with abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'einen Eindruck hinterlassen' (to leave an impression), 'Spuren hinterlassen' (to leave traces, figuratively), or 'ein Gefühl hinterlassen' (to leave a feeling).
EXAMPLE
Das Gespräch hat bei mir ein komisches Gefühl hinterlassen.
The conversation left me with a strange feeling.
Compare with
hinterlassen vs vergessen
to forget
'vergessen' and 'hinterlassen' can both have to do with something that is still in a place after someone leaves. The difference is the reason. 'vergessen' is used when someone did not think of taking something with them or doing something. 'hinterlassen' means that something is left behind; this can be intentional or unintentional. You can also 'hinterlassen' an impression or a trace. Learners confuse the words when they want to say that something has remained somewhere. If the mistake is in the memory, 'vergessen' fits. If the fact that something is left behind is what matters, 'hinterlassen' fits.
hinterlassen
Der Kunde hinterlässt am Morgen eine Nachricht für das Team.
The customer leaves a message for the team in the morning.
vergessen
Der Gast vergisst aus Versehen seinen Schal im Flur.
The guest accidentally forgets his scarf in the hallway.
In real life
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