German Phrase
Lass uns mit ...
Meaning
Literally ‘let us with …’, this German idiom is used to propose starting an activity, choosing an option, or proceeding with something together. It is the everyday way to say ‘let’s start with…’ or ‘let’s go with…’ in informal conversation.
When to use
Use ‘Lass uns mit …’ when you and your conversation partner are about to begin a task, discuss options, or decide on a next step. It works in casual settings—friends planning a meal, classmates starting a project, or teammates choosing a strategy. In formal contexts you would switch to ‘Lassen Sie uns …’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lassunsmit...
Imperative of lassen
‘Lass’ is the 2nd person singular imperative of ‘lassen’, used to suggest an action for both speaker and listener.
Reflexive pronoun ‘uns’
‘uns’ is the accusative reflexive pronoun that pairs with ‘lassen’ to form ‘let’s’ in English.
Preposition ‘mit’ + Dative
‘mit’ always governs the dative case; the noun that follows must be in dative (e.g., ‘mit dem Buch’, ‘mit den Freunden’).
Ellipsis ‘...’
The three dots indicate that the phrase is open‑ended and will be completed with a noun or infinitive phrase.
🗨In Conversation
Lass uns mit dem Salat anfangen.
Let's start with the salad.
Gute Idee, ich hole das Dressing.
Good idea, I'll get the dressing.
✕Common Mistakes
Lassen Sie uns mit dem Film anfangen.
In informal speech you should use ‘Lass uns …’; ‘Lassen Sie uns …’ is the formal version and sounds too stiff in casual contexts.
Lass uns mit das Buch beginnen.
‘mit’ requires dative; using the accusative ‘das’ is incorrect.
Lass uns zu dem Projekt gehen.
‘zu’ changes the meaning; you need ‘mit’ to convey ‘let’s start with’.
↔Alternatives
Gehen wir mit ...
Let's go with ...
Wir fangen an mit ...
We begin with ...
Lassen Sie uns mit ... beginnen
Let's begin with ...
Cultural Tip
‘Lass uns …’ is strictly informal; German speakers reserve it for friends, family, or peers. In a business meeting or when speaking to strangers, switch to the polite form ‘Lassen Sie uns …’. Also, remember that after ‘mit’ the noun must be dative, so ‘mit dem Auto’, not ‘mit das Auto’. The ellipsis invites the listener to fill in the missing part, making the phrase flexible and conversational.