01
nachlassen
to lessen
To lose intensity, strength, quality, or performance; to become weaker or stop.
example
Gegen Abend ließ der starke Wind endlich nach.
Toward evening, the strong wind finally lessened.
nachlassen
to lessen / to reduce
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Nachlassen' (to lessen / to reduce) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nach-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm hat endlich nachgelassen.
The storm has finally let up.
Context clues
The meaning depends strongly on the context. If it is about weather, feelings, pain, or performance, 'nachlassen' usually means 'to become weaker'. If it is about money or prices, it means 'to give a discount'.
EXAMPLE
Meine Kopfschmerzen lassen langsam nach.
My headache is slowly easing.
Typical subjects
The meaning 'to become weaker' is often used for things that lose intensity by themselves. Typical subjects are: pain, rain, wind, heat, strength, or concentration.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer Stunde ließ seine Konzentration deutlich nach.
After an hour, his concentration lessened noticeably.
Negotiating a price
When talking about a price reduction, the phrasing 'im Preis nachlassen' or 'beim Preis nachlassen' is often used. You can also simply ask: 'Können Sie noch etwas nachlassen?' (Can you reduce it a little more?)
EXAMPLE
Vielleicht lässt der Verkäufer noch etwas nach, wenn Sie bar bezahlen.
Maybe the seller will reduce the price a little more if you pay in cash.
Compare with
nachlassen vs geben
to give
'sich geben' and 'nachlassen' can both mean that something becomes weaker or stops. 'sich geben' is often used for a problem, a strong feeling, or a natural phenomenon: excitement, pain, or a storm subsides. 'nachlassen' is broader and also fits performance, quality, pressure, or rain. 'sich geben' sounds like something calms down by itself. 'nachlassen' describes more generally that the intensity becomes less.
nachlassen
Am Abend lässt der Regen endlich nach.
In the evening, the rain finally lets up.
geben
Keine Sorge, die Aufregung gibt sich nach ein paar Minuten.
Don't worry, the excitement will subside after a few minutes.
In real life
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