schleppen
Translation
to drag, to haul, to lug, to tow
Examples
Er musste den schweren Koffer schleppen.
He had to drag the heavy suitcase.
Das Auto wurde abgeschleppt.
The car was towed away.
Die Verhandlungen schleppen sich hin.
The negotiations are dragging on.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) to drag/haul sth. Sie schleppte die Einkaufstüten nach Hause.
((sich)) to drag oneself (reflexive) Er schleppte sich aus dem Bett.
((sich)) to drag on (reflexive, figurative) Das Meeting schleppte sich endlos hin.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ziehen (to pull), tragen (to carry); Antonyms: schieben (to push)
Etymology
From Middle High German 'slepen', related to Dutch 'slepen' and English 'slip', suggesting dragging something along the ground.
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'slap'. Imagine slapping something heavy onto the ground and then having to drag ('schleppen') it.