zulassen
to allow
To allow, permit, or approve something. It means that you do not put an obstacle in the way or that you grant official permission.
EXAMPLE
Die Hausordnung lässt keine Haustiere zu.
The house rules do not allow pets.
zulassen
to allow / admit / keep closed
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Meanings
zulassen
to admit / approve
To officially accept or register someone or something for a specific purpose after an examination or review, for example for university studies, an exam, or road traffic.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Auto ist nicht für den Straßenverkehr zugelassen.
This car is not approved for road traffic.
zulassen
to let in
To emotionally or mentally accept something or let it reach you, often feelings or thoughts.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit fiel es ihm schwer, wieder Nähe zuzulassen.
After the argument, he found it difficult to let closeness in again.
zulassen
to keep closed
To keep something closed or not open it.
EXAMPLE
Lass bitte das Fenster zu, es zieht.
Please keep the window closed; there's a draft.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zulassen' (to allow / admit / keep closed) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zu' stands at the end in a main clause, but remains connected to the verb in a subordinate clause. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' stands between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er lässt keine Kritik zu.
He doesn't allow any criticism.
Context clue
The prefix 'zu' has two opposite functions here. In most meanings, it means 'erlauben' (to allow) or 'ermöglichen' (to make possible). In the colloquial meaning 'geschlossen halten' (to keep closed), 'zu' means the opposite, namely 'closed'.
EXAMPLE
Wir können nicht zulassen, dass das passiert.
We cannot allow that to happen.
Official context
In this meaning, 'zulassen' (to admit / approve) is almost always used in an official or technical context. It is about formal approval after an examination or review.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde zum Medizinstudium zugelassen.
He was admitted to medical school.
Emotional meaning
When it is about feelings, 'zulassen' (to let in) describes the decision to lower an emotional barrier. Typical objects are abstract nouns such as 'Nähe' (closeness), 'Gefühle' (feelings), or 'Trauer' (grief).
EXAMPLE
Sie muss lernen, ihre Gefühle zuzulassen.
She has to learn to allow her feelings.
Colloquial usage
The meaning 'geschlossen halten' (to keep closed) is used almost only in spoken language and in direct requests or commands. The verb 'lassen' (to let / leave) often appears in the imperative here.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Fenster zulassen?
Could you please keep the window closed?
Compare with
zulassen vs aufnehmen
to record / take in
A university zulässt someone for study when, after reviewing their application, it officially grants them permission to study. It aufnimmt the person when it actually integrates them into the university or a group of students.
zulassen
Die Hochschule lässt Lea nach Prüfung ihrer Unterlagen zum Studium zu.
The university admits Lea to the program after reviewing her documents.
aufnehmen
Die Hochschule nimmt Lea zum Wintersemester als Studentin auf.
The university admits Lea as a student for the winter semester.
In real life
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