loslegen
to get started
Informal for: to start or begin something energetically and without hesitation.
EXAMPLE
Okay, alle sind da, dann können wir ja loslegen!
Okay, everyone is here, so we can get started!
loslegen
to get started
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Meanings
loslegen
to launch into
Informal for: to start speaking, often in a loud, fast, or scolding way.
EXAMPLE
Als er die Rechnung sah, legte er sofort los und beschwerte sich über die hohen Preise.
When he saw the bill, he immediately launched into a complaint about the high prices.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Loslegen' (to get started) is a separable verb. The prefix 'los-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or when used with a modal verb, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer kurzen Pause legten die Arbeiter wieder los.
After a short break, the workers got started again.
Word structure
The prefix 'los-' often signals the beginning of an action, as in 'losfahren' (to set off by vehicle) or 'losgehen' (to set off / begin). In 'loslegen' (to get started), it combines with 'legen' (to lay/put) and creates the energetic meaning of starting.
EXAMPLE
Sobald der Startschuss fiel, legten die Läufer los.
As soon as the starting signal was given, the runners got started.
Register: informal speech
This verb clearly belongs to informal speech. It sounds dynamic and casual and fits well in everyday conversations, but less so in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Na los, leg schon los, wir haben nicht den ganzen Tag Zeit!
Come on, get started already, we don't have all day!
Sentence structure with 'mit'
If you want to say exactly which activity is beginning, use the preposition 'mit' followed by a noun in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende will ich endlich mit dem Streichen der Wände loslegen.
This weekend, I finally want to get started with painting the walls.
Compare with
loslegen vs beginnen
to begin
Beginnen refers to the start of an activity in a neutral or somewhat more formal way. Loslegen is colloquial and often conveys that someone starts energetically and without hesitation. Beginnen is suitable for a matter-of-fact instruction; loslegen fits an encouraging prompt.
loslegen
Ihr kennt die Aufgabe, also legt jetzt los!
You all know what to do, so get started now!
beginnen
Bitte beginnen Sie jetzt mit der schriftlichen Aufgabe.
Please begin the written exercise now.
In real life
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