verb
gestatten
permit · allow
jemandem sagen, dass etwas erlaubt ist oder dass er etwas tun darf
The German word "gestatten" is a verb meaning "to allow" or "to permit."
- It is related to the verb "statten," which is an old form connected to "stehen" (to stand, to be), but here "gestatten" works as "to grant" or "to enable."
Similar words:
- erlauben (to allow)
- zulassen (to permit, to allow)
- genehmigen (to approve, to authorize)
Difference:
- gestatten is slightly more formal or polite than erlauben and often used in formal requests ("Gestatten Sie mir...").
- zulassen focuses on permitting something to happen, often with a regulatory nuance.
- genehmigen involves official approval or authorization, often by an authority.
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Examples
Gestatten Sie mir einen Moment Ihrer Zeit?verb
Permit me a moment of your time?
Bitte gestatten Sie uns den Zutritt.verb
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