zu|legen
Translation
to get, to acquire, to put on, to gain
Examples
Ich muss mir ein neues Auto zulegen.
I have to get a new car.
Er hat im Urlaub fünf Kilo zugelegt.
He gained five kilos during vacation.
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
Comes from `zu-` (in addition to) + `legen` (to lay, put). Literally 'to lay in addition', hence to get or add.
Memory Tips
Picture 'laying' (`legen`) something new onto (`zu-`) your pile of belongings to acquire it.