Verb

hinterlegen

Translation

to deposit, to lodge, to leave (for safekeeping)

Ich habe den Schlüssel an der Rezeption hinterlegt.

I have deposited the key at the reception.

Man muss eine Kaution hinterlegen.

One must deposit a security deposit.

Er hat eine Nachricht für Sie hinterlegt.

He has left a message for you.

((sth.)) ((at/with sb./sth.)) to deposit sth. at/with sb./sth. I deposited the suitcase at the reception.

Synonyms: deponieren (to deposit), abgeben (to hand in)

From 'hinter' (behind) + 'legen' (to lay/put). Literally 'to lay behind', meaning to put something away for safekeeping.

Imagine you 'lay' (legen) something 'behind' (hinter) the counter for someone to pick up later.