German Phrase
Du kannst loslegen.
Meaning
Literally, 'You can start.' It is an encouraging, informal way to give someone permission or motivation to begin a task or activity.
When to use
Use it when you want to tell a friend, teammate, or student that they are allowed to begin something right now. It works well in casual conversations, classroom settings, or when handing over a project.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dukannstloslegen
Du (personal pronoun)
Second‑person singular informal pronoun used with friends, family, or colleagues you address with 'du'.
kannst (modal verb können)
Present‑tense conjugation of the modal verb 'können' for 'du'. It expresses ability or permission.
loslegen (separable verb)
A colloquial separable verb meaning 'to start', 'to get going'. In the main clause the prefix 'los' is placed at the end, as shown.
🗨In Conversation
Ich habe alle Unterlagen fertig. Darf ich jetzt anfangen?
I have all the documents ready. May I start now?
Ja, du kannst loslegen.
Yes, you can start.
✕Common Mistakes
Du kann loslegen.
Missing the 'st' ending for the second‑person singular; 'kann' is the third‑person singular form.
Du kannst los gehen.
The verb 'loslegen' is a single separable verb; it should not be split into 'los gehen'.
Sie können loslegen.
In formal contexts you should use the polite 'Sie' form.
↔Alternatives
Du darfst anfangen.
You may begin.
Du kannst beginnen.
You can begin.
Leg los!
Go ahead!
Cultural Tip
The phrase uses the informal 'du' form, so reserve it for people you know well or when the context is explicitly informal. 'Loslegen' is a colloquial verb common in everyday German, especially among younger speakers and in workplace banter. In formal settings you would prefer 'Sie können beginnen' or 'Sie dürfen beginnen'.