zu|legen
Translation
to get, to acquire, to put on, to increase
Examples
Ich muss mir ein neues Auto zulegen.
I have to get a new car.
Er hat im Urlaub fünf Kilo zugelegt.
He put on five kilos during the holiday.
Die Firma hat an Wert zugelegt.
The company has increased in value.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((dat.)) et4 zulegen to get sth. for oneself I'm getting myself a new bike.
an et3 zulegen to gain in sth. He has gained in weight.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anschaffen, kaufen (to buy), zunehmen (to gain); Antonyms: ablegen (to discard), abnehmen (to lose)
Etymology
From `zu-` (in addition to) + `legen` (to lay, put). Literally 'to lay in addition', hence to acquire or add.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'laying' (`legen`) something new onto (`zu-`) your pile of possessions.