fest|legen
Translation
to determine, to set, to define, to establish
Examples
Wir müssen einen Termin festlegen.
We have to set a date.
Das Gesetz legt die Regeln fest.
The law defines the rules.
Er möchte sich noch nicht festlegen.
He doesn't want to commit yet.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) festlegen to set/determine sth. They set a price.
sich ((auf+4)) festlegen to commit to sth. He is committing to the plan.
sich festlegen to commit oneself He doesn't want to commit.
Similar Words
bestimmen (to determine), entscheiden (to decide), definieren (to define)
Etymology
Composed of 'fest' (firm, fixed) + 'legen' (to lay, set). The literal meaning is 'to set firmly'.
Memory Tips
Think of it as 'laying down the law firmly'. 'fest' = firm, 'legen' = to lay.