The image and what it means
The image of a lowered head helps make the phrase memorable. It can describe how someone feels even if they don’t physically lower their head.
The phrase fits after a setback such as losing a game or getting turned down. It says little about how long the person has been sad or discouraged.
Nach der Niederlage ließ Kim den Kopf hängen.
After the defeat, Kim felt discouraged.
“Ließ” is the simple past of “lassen” here.
“Lass”, “lasst”, and “lassen Sie”
To one person you address with “du”, say “Lass den Kopf nicht hängen.” To several people you address informally, use “Lasst den Kopf nicht hängen.”
With formal “Sie”, the grammatical form is “Lassen Sie den Kopf nicht hängen”. In a formal conversation, a concrete offer such as “I’d be happy to look at the next options with you” can feel more considerate.
Lass den Kopf nicht hängen. Für das nächste Spiel können wir anders trainieren.
Don’t lose heart. We can train differently for the next game.
The second sentence offers a practical way forward.
When does encouragement help?
When someone is disappointed, it often helps to listen and acknowledge the setback first. Then you can use the idiom to encourage them if it fits the tone of your relationship.
A follow-up question offers a practical next step. “Shall we look for another position together?” gives the other person a choice.
Lasst den Kopf nicht hängen, auch wenn der erste Versuch schiefging.
Don’t lose heart, even though the first attempt went wrong.
“Lasst” is used when addressing several people informally.
Everyday conversations
After a rejection
Eda was turned down for an apprenticeship. Her friend Bo listens first and then offers practical help.
- Eda
Die Firma hat mir abgesagt. Ich hatte mir so viel Hoffnung gemacht.
The company turned me down. I’d really got my hopes up.
- Bo
Das ist wirklich enttäuschend. Magst du erzählen, was sie geschrieben haben?
That’s really disappointing. Do you want to tell me what they wrote?
- Eda
Sie haben sich für jemanden mit mehr Erfahrung entschieden.
They picked someone with more experience.
- Bo
Lass den Kopf nicht hängen. Wenn du möchtest, schauen wir uns morgen deine nächste Bewerbung zusammen an.
Don’t lose heart. If you’d like, we can look over your next application together tomorrow.
Usage note
Right after a setback, the encouragement may sound abrupt on its own. “That’s really disappointing” first shows you understand how the other person feels.
Three practice tasks
Try each task before opening the explanation.
What does “Kim lässt den Kopf hängen” mean after a defeat?
Answer and explanation
Kim ist entmutigt.
Here, the idiom describes discouragement.
You’re speaking to three friends. Which form fits?
Answer and explanation
Lasst den Kopf nicht hängen.
“Lasst” is the imperative that goes with “ihr”.
Which response explicitly acknowledges a disappointment?
Answer and explanation
Das ist wirklich enttäuschend.
This recognizes that the setback may be painful for the other person.
What to remember
“Den Kopf hängen lassen” describes discouragement. “Lass den Kopf nicht hängen” encourages someone to regain confidence.