01
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
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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' and 'loslegen' both mean that you start doing something. 'beginnen' is neutral and somewhat more formal; it fits in conversations, at school, at work, and also in written texts. 'loslegen' is colloquial and sounds more active: you start quickly, directly, or with energy. When a situation is described officially or calmly, 'beginnen' is more natural. When someone does not wait long and simply gets started, 'loslegen' fits better.
loslegen
Nach der Arbeit legten wir sofort mit den Vorbereitungen für das Wochenende los.
After work, we immediately got started on the preparations for the weekend.
beginnen
Die Besprechung beginnt um neun Uhr im großen Raum.
The meeting begins at nine o'clock in the large room.
In real life
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