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The particle “los” in German
The meaning of “los” in German
1.- "Los" is a prefix for some separable verbs. Although it lacks any meaning on its own, it modifies the verb that it accompanies.
Ich fahre jetzt los
I’m leaving now (in a car)
NOTE: The same example without “los” would mean: I am driving now.
Verbs with “los”
The main verbs that have the prefix “los” are:
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| losfahren | to leave (in a car) |
| losfliegen | to take off (flying) |
| losgehen | to start, leave |
| loshaken | to unhook |
| losketten | to unchain |
| loslassen | to let go, release |
| losmachen | to release |
| lossprechen | to absolve of |
| los sein | to happen |
Expressions with “los”
With the verb “los sein” (to happen):
Was ist los?
What’s going on?
Was ist mit dir los?
What’s happening/going on with you? (It implies a possible problem)
With the verb “losgehen” (to leave on foot):
(Gehen wir) los!
Let’s go!
Auf die Plätze, fertig, los!
To your positions, ready, let’s go!