An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/passen

by Friedrich Kluge

passen (1.), verb, ‘to forego one's turn in playing,’ Modern High German only, formed from French passer, ‘to omit, pass.’ Numerous words relating to play are derived from the French; compare Pasch and Daus. — The meaning ‘to lie in wait, watch,’ comes, however, from Dutch passen.

passen (2.), verb, ‘to pass muster, suit, be convenient,’ Modern High German only, corresponding to Dutch passen, which is found even in the 13th century; from French passer. Derivative päßlich, ‘tolerable.’