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German Phrase

Lass uns das privat besprechen.

/las ʊns das ˈpʁiːvat bəˈʃpʁeːçən/
Meaning"Let's discuss that privately."
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Meaning

‘Lass uns das privat besprechen.’ means ‘Let’s discuss that privately.’ It suggests moving a conversation to a more confidential setting, often to avoid public ears or to handle sensitive information.

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When to use

Use this phrase in business meetings, classroom discussions, or personal conversations when you want to shift a topic to a private setting. It works well both in formal and informal contexts, as long as the tone matches the relationship with the listener.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Lassunsdasprivatbesprechen

1

Lass (imperative)

‘Lass’ is the colloquial imperative of ‘lassen’ used in the fixed phrase ‘Lass uns …’, equivalent to ‘let’s’ in English.

2

uns (personal pronoun)

‘uns’ is the accusative form of the first‑person plural pronoun and is required after ‘lassen’ in this construction.

3

das (demonstrative pronoun)

‘das’ refers to a specific matter already mentioned; it is in the accusative case because it is the object of ‘besprechen’.

4

privat (adverb)

Here ‘privat’ functions as an adverb meaning ‘in private’; it can also be used as an adjective (e.g., ‘ein privates Gespräch’).

5

besprechen (infinitive without zu)

After ‘lassen’ the infinitive verb appears without ‘zu’, just like in ‘Lass uns …’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Lass uns das privat besprechen.

Let's discuss that privately.

Gute Idee, wir können uns im Konferenzraum zurückziehen.

Good idea, we can retreat to the conference room.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Lass uns das privat zu besprechen.

    After ‘lassen’ the infinitive does NOT take ‘zu’. The correct form is just ‘besprechen’.

  • Lassen Sie uns das privat besprechen.

    While grammatically correct, it mixes formal ‘Sie’ with the informal ‘Lass’, which sounds inconsistent. Use either ‘Lassen Sie uns …’ (formal) or ‘Lass uns …’ (informal).

  • Lass uns das privatlich besprechen.

    ‘Privatlich’ is not used in German; the correct adverb is ‘privat’.

↔Alternatives

  • Wir können das privat besprechen.

    We can discuss that privately.

  • Lass uns das im privaten Rahmen besprechen.

    Let's discuss that in a private setting.

  • Sprechen wir das privat.

    Let's talk about that privately.

de

Cultural Tip

In German professional culture, directness is appreciated, but confidentiality is taken seriously. Saying ‘privat besprechen’ signals respect for the other party’s privacy and often helps to build trust. In more formal settings you might use ‘Lassen Sie uns das privat besprechen.’ to match the polite ‘Sie’ form.