It sounds like such an innocuous word...a "pass to run"…so carefree, so liberating.

Yet it's the opposite - it implies the end and it's oh so hurtful. In English, we've got a euphemistic term for it as well: a "Dear John letter." Yup, when a girl or guy gives you the Laufpass, it's time to pack up your bags and leave.

And who knows? Maybe that's a good thing - surely it's better to get permission to run rather than a Dear John letter, especially when your name's not John?!

Author: Louisa Schaefer

Editor: Kate Bowen