legen
Translation
to lay, to put, to place
Examples
Ich habe das Buch auf den Tisch gelegt.
I put the book on the table.
Die Henne hat ein Ei gelegt.
The hen laid an egg.
Er hat sich ins Bett gelegt.
He lay down in bed.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) ((auf/in+4)) to lay sth. on/in sth. Er hat den Stift auf den Tisch gelegt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: platzieren; Contrast: stellen (to place upright), setzen (to set/seat); Antonyms: nehmen (to take)
Etymology
Causative form of 'liegen' (to lie). It means to cause something to lie, i.e., 'to lay'. Cognate with English 'lay'.
Memory Tips
'legen' (to lay) is the action, and it always takes an accusative object. 'liegen' (to lie) is the state of being. Remember the difference!