laufen lassen
Translation
to let run, to leave on, to set free, to let go
Examples
Ich lasse den Motor laufen.
I'm letting the engine run.
Er hat den Hund laufen lassen.
He let the dog run.
Lass die Dinge einfach laufen.
Just let things run their course.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to let (sth.) run / to leave (sth.) on Ich lasse den Motor laufen.
Similar Words
freilassen (to release), gehen lassen (to let go), in Ruhe lassen (to leave alone)
Etymology
A combination of 'laufen' (to run) and 'lassen' (to let/allow). Literally 'to let run'.
Memory Tips
Picture letting a tap run ('den Wasserhahn laufen lassen'). This applies to machines, animals, and even abstract situations.