verb
to allow, to permit
A1
'erlauben' means 'to allow' or 'to permit'. It's a regular (weak) verb using haben for perfect tenses. Common construction: jemandem etwas erlauben — person in dative, thing in accusative. Not reflexive or separable. Present participle 'erlaubend', past participle 'erlaubt'; conjugates regularly.
Examples
Die Polizei erlaubte dem Fahrer, auf die andere Straßenseite zu fahren.
The police permitted the driver to cross to the other side of the street.
Der Lehrer erlaubte den Schülern, zu spielen.
The teacher allowed the students to play.
Ich habe es dir erlaubt.
I allowed you to do it.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a guard lifting a barrier (allowing entry) and saying 'erlauben' as they wave people through.
Sounds like 'air-luh-buhn' — think 'air' + 'lube' + 'bun' to recall the rhythm of 'erlauben'.
Notes
Common synonyms: 'gestatten' and 'zulassen'. 'Erlauben' is a transitive verb and takes a dative indirect object when expressing permission (jemandem etwas erlauben). In passive constructions, use 'erlaubt werden' (e.g., 'Mir wird erlaubt ...').