zu|stellen
Translation
to deliver, to serve (legal), to block, to obstruct
Examples
Der Postbote stellt das Paket zu.
The postman delivers the parcel.
Die Einfahrt wurde mit Kisten zugestellt.
The driveway was blocked with boxes.
Grammar Patterns
((j-m)) ((et4)) zustellen to deliver sth. to sb. The courier delivers the package to me.
((et4)) zustellen to block sth. A fallen tree is blocking the road.
Similar Words
Synonyms: liefern (to deliver), überbringen (to hand over); Antonym (for 'to block'): freimachen (to clear)
Etymology
From 'zu-' (to, towards) and 'stellen' (to put, place). Literally 'to place something towards' a recipient.
Memory Tips
Think of 'stellen' (placing) a package 'zu' (to) the recipient for 'to deliver'. For 'to block', imagine someone 'stellen' (placing) an object so the way is 'zu' (closed).