entlasten

Entlasten is a German verb meaning to relieve or lighten a burden. It can refer to removing a physical load, to reducing emotional or administrative strain, or to exempting someone from duties or costs. The related noun Entlastung denotes relief, discharge, or exemption, and the adjective entlastend describes something that provides relief.

Originating from the prefix ent- combined with Lasten (burdens), entlasten uses the infinitive entlasten; the past participle is entlastet, with forms such as entlastete in the simple past. The noun Entlastung is common in contexts such as steuerliche Entlastung (tax relief) or bürokratische Entlastung (bureaucratic relief). Entlastend is used to describe exculpatory or relieving effects.

Usage extends across everyday language, administration, and engineering. In everyday speech one might say: “Der Staat will Familien entlasten” or “Der Chef entlastete das Team von Routineaufgaben.” In mechanical, logistical, or organizational contexts, entlasten can mean to reduce a load on a component or process, for example “die Achse entlasten” or “Lasten entlasten.” In legal or policy discussions, Entlastung can refer to exemption from obligations or discharge of liability, while entlastend is used for exculpatory or relieving evidence in some contexts.

Common collocations include Entlastung, entlastend, and entlasten. The term is contrasted with belasten, which means to burden or load, highlighting its role in describing relief or reduction of load.

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