zu|lassen
Translation
to allow, to permit, to admit
Examples
Das Gesetz lässt das nicht zu.
The law does not permit that.
Er lässt keine Ausnahmen zu.
He allows no exceptions.
Die Tür lässt sich nicht zumachen.
The door cannot be closed.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to allow sth. He allows no exceptions.
((sb.)) ((to sth.)) to admit sb. to sth. He was admitted to the exam.
Similar Words
erlauben (to permit), gestatten (to permit); Antonym: verbieten (to forbid)
Etymology
Composed of 'zu' (to, toward) and 'lassen' (to let, allow). It literally means 'to let toward' or 'to let in'.
Memory Tips
Think of letting ('lassen') someone 'to' ('zu') a place or event, like admitting them.