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sich einlassen auf

get involved in

Sich auf etwas oder jemanden einlassen heißt, offen dafür zu sein und mitzumachen, auch wenn man noch nicht alles genau weiß.

Definition & meaning

The German phrase sich einlassen auf primarily means to get involved with someone or something, or to engage in a specific situation. It often implies a conscious decision to participate in something that might be complex, risky, or require emotional commitment.

There are two main nuances to this expression:

  1. To engage with a situation or idea: This means to be open to a suggestion, a discussion, or a new experience. For example, if you "let yourself into" a conversation or a compromise, you are showing a willingness to deal with it rather than dismissing it immediately.
  2. To get involved with a person: This often suggests starting a relationship or a deeper association with someone, sometimes with the connotation that the person or the relationship might be difficult or problematic.

Grammar & Word origin

The phrase is a reflexive verb combination that requires the preposition auf followed by the accusative case.

  • sich: The reflexive pronoun (myself, yourself, etc.).
  • einlassen: A verb formed by the prefix ein- (into) and the base verb lassen (to let or allow). Literally, it suggests "letting oneself into" a space or a situation.
  • auf: The preposition used here to indicate the object or situation one is entering into.

In a sentence, it looks like this: "Ich lasse mich auf das Abenteuer ein" (I am getting involved in the adventure).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • eingehen auf[?](vocabuo://word/eingehen auf): To respond to or accept something (like a proposal or a topic).
  • mitmachen: To participate or join in.
  • sich beteiligen an[?](vocabuo://word/sich beteiligen an): To take part in something.
  • akzeptieren: To accept.
  • wagnen: To venture or dare (often used when the involvement involves risk).

Antonyms

  • ablehnen: To reject or turn down.
  • sich verschließen[?](vocabuo://word/sich verschließen): To close oneself off from something.
  • meiden: To avoid.
  • verweigern: To refuse or deny.
  • ignorieren: To ignore.

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Examples

Worauf haben wir uns da bloß eingelassen?other

What have we just gotten involved in?

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