legen
Translation
to lay, to put, to place
Examples
Er legt das Buch auf den Tisch.
He lays the book on the table.
Die Henne legt ein Ei.
The hen lays an egg.
Sie legt sich ins Bett.
She lies down in bed.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((on/in+4)) to lay (sth.) (on/in sth.) He lays the book on the table.
sich legen to lie down She lies down in bed.
Wert ((auf+4)) legen to place value (on sth.) We place value on quality.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stellen (to place upright); Antonyms: liegen (to lie)
Etymology
From Old High German 'leggen', related to English 'to lay'.
Memory Tips
Remember the difference: 'legen' (to lay, active) requires an accusative object, while 'liegen' (to lie, state) does not. Think 'lay' vs 'lie'.