zulassen vs dulden
German word comparison
Listen to zulassen
Listen to dulden
| zulassen | dulden |
|---|---|
/tsu-LAS-sen/ verb | /DOOL-den/ verb |
| to allow; to permit; to let something happen | to tolerate; to suffer; to allow reluctantly |
How they differ
“Dulden” is not a full synonym in the strict sense of permission: it means you do not actively stop something, but you do not necessarily approve of it. Compared with “zulassen,” it carries a stronger sense of reluctance or resignation.
When to use each
When to use zulassen: Use “zulassen” when something is genuinely permitted or allowed to happen.
When to use dulden: Use “dulden” when something is merely tolerated, often despite disapproval.
Side-by-side examples
- Die Stadt lässt Straßenmusik in diesem Viertel zu.
(The city allows street music in this district.) - Die Stadt duldet Straßenmusik in diesem Viertel.
(The city tolerates street music in this district.)
Register & nuance: “Dulden” is neutral but often implies an unsympathetic or resigned stance.