verb

nachlassen

subside · ease · decline

Es bedeutet, dass etwas schwächer wird, weniger wird oder an Kraft verliert.

Definition & meaning

The verb nachlassen has several related meanings in German, primarily revolving around the idea of something decreasing or being reduced.

To diminish or weaken: This is the most common usage. It describes a reduction in intensity, strength, or quality. For example, it is used when a storm subsides, when physical pain becomes less intense, or when someone's concentration or performance levels drop.
To loosen or slacken: It can refer to physical tension. If you stop pulling a rope so tightly or loosen your grip, you are using the verb in this sense.
To reduce a price: In a commercial context, it means to grant a discount or to lower the asking price of an item.
To leave behind (Inheritance): While less common in everyday speech than the noun der Nachlass (the estate/legacy), the verb can technically refer to what someone leaves behind after death, though hinterlassen or vererben are more frequent in this context.

Grammar & Word origin

nachlassen is a separable strong verb. Its principal parts are:

Präsens: lässt nach
Präteritum: ließ nach
Partizip II: nachgelassen

The word is a combination of the prefix nach (after, towards, or behind) and the base verb lassen (to let, leave, or allow). The literal sense suggests "letting something go" or "letting up" after a period of activity or tension.