hinterlassen
leave behind · leave
Etwas an einem Ort lassen, wenn man weggeht, sodass es dort bleibt.
Definition & meaning
The verb hinterlassen primarily means to leave something behind. It is used in two main contexts:
- To leave a message, a trace, or an object in a certain place. This could be a physical mark (like footprints), a digital trace, or a spoken/written message for someone else to find later.
- To leave an inheritance or a legacy. This refers to property, money, or even a reputation left to survivors after a person passes away.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is an inseparable prefix verb, consisting of the prefix hinter- (behind) and the base verb lassen (to let/leave). Despite "hinter" often being a separable prefix in other contexts, in "hinterlassen" it remains attached to the verb in all forms.
The conjugation is as follows:
- Present: er/sie/es hinterlässt
- Preterite: hinterließ
- Perfect: hat hinterlassen
Note that the past participle does not use the "ge-" prefix because the verb is inseparable.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- To leave behind/provide information: zurücklassen, mitteilen, übermitteln.
- To bequeath/inheritance: vererben, vermachen.
- To leave a trace: verursachen, einprägen.
Antonyms
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Examples
Der Dieb hat seine Fingerabdrücke hinterlassen.verb
The thief left his fingerprints behind.
Er hinterlässt eine Nachricht auf dem Tisch.verb
He leaves a message on the table.
Er hat eine Nachricht für dich hinterlassen.verb
He has left a message for you.
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