losziehen

Losziehen is a German verb meaning to set off, to depart, or to embark on a journey or undertaking. It is commonly used when a person or group leaves a place to travel, join a cause, begin an expedition, or start an activity. The verb is separable: the prefix los- attaches to ziehen, and in main clauses it splits from the verb stem (ich ziehe los), while in dependent clauses or with conjugations that require the finite verb at the end it remains together (ich will losziehen).

Etymology and grammar: Losziehen combines the adverbial prefix los- with ziehen (to pull or move). As a separable verb, its prefix moves to the end of the clause in yes-no questions and main clauses with finite verbs at the second position, and it can form a compound tense with sein as a movement verb (Wir sind losgezogen). The infinitive and participle forms are losziehen and losgezogen, respectively.

Usage and nuance: Losziehen is used for literal departure as well as figurative beginnings. It often describes military units leaving a location, travelers starting a journey, or a group beginning a mission or campaign. It can also convey initiative or momentum, for example when a movement or initiative “zieht los.”

Examples:

- Die Truppen zogen los, um die Front zu eröffnen.

- Wir ziehen heute los, um die Wanderung zu beginnen.

- Nachdem die Aussage gefallen war, zogen sofort neue Forderungen los.

See also: aufbrechen, ausziehen, ziehen.