What does the phrase mean in everyday life?
Literally, “baumeln” means to dangle. In the idiom, the image helps you picture a break without tension.
You could be listening to music, going for a walk, or looking out the window. What matters is that it helps you slow down.
Nach der letzten Abgabe lasse ich heute Abend die Seele baumeln.
After submitting the last assignment, I’m going to unwind this evening.
“Heute Abend” specifies when the break is planned.
How to use “lassen”
In a main clause, “lassen” changes: “Ich lasse die Seele baumeln”, “du lässt die Seele baumeln”, “wir lassen die Seele baumeln”. “Baumeln” stays in the infinitive.
With “möchte”, both infinitives come at the end: “Ich möchte die Seele baumeln lassen.” In the present perfect, you’ll hear “Wir haben die Seele baumeln lassen”.
Auf der Bank am See konnten wir endlich die Seele baumeln lassen.
Sitting on the bench by the lake, we were finally able to switch off.
After “konnten”, “baumeln lassen” comes at the end.
“Die Seele baumeln lassen” or “sich ausruhen”?
“Ich ruhe mich kurz aus” fits when you need to catch your breath after climbing a long flight of stairs. “Ich lasse am Sonntag die Seele baumeln” emphasizes setting aside time to unwind.
Adding “einfach mal” gives the phrase a relaxed tone: “Ich will einfach mal die Seele baumeln lassen.” You’re describing some time off that doesn’t need big plans.
Im Urlaub haben sie ein paar Tage lang die Seele baumeln lassen.
They spent a few days of their holiday just unwinding.
“Haben … baumeln lassen” is in the present perfect.
Everyday conversations
An afternoon off
Linh and Tom are discussing Saturday plans after a tiring week.
- Linh
Hast du für Samstag schon etwas geplant?
Have you made any plans for Saturday yet?
- Tom
Ich will auf dem Balkon lesen und einfach mal die Seele baumeln lassen.
I want to read on the balcony and just unwind.
- Linh
Klingt gut. Nach dieser Woche brauche ich auch einen ruhigen Nachmittag.
Sounds good. After this week I need a quiet afternoon too.
- Tom
Dann lass uns das Treffen auf Sonntag legen.
Then let’s meet on Sunday instead.
Usage note
The phrase fits casual conversation. “Ich brauche etwas Zeit zur Erholung” is usually more direct if you’re canceling an appointment formally.
Three practice tasks
Try each task before opening the explanation.
What is Tom doing when he “lässt die Seele baumeln”?
Answer and explanation
Er entspannt sich und schaltet ab.
The idiom describes taking time to unwind.
Complete “Heute ___ du einfach mal die Seele baumeln.”
Answer and explanation
lässt
In the present tense, “du” takes the form “lässt”.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in the present perfect?
Answer and explanation
Wir haben die Seele baumeln lassen.
With “lassen” and another infinitive, the present perfect here uses the substitute infinitive “lassen”: “haben … baumeln lassen”.
What to remember
“Die Seele baumeln lassen” describes a break that gives your mind a rest.