an|lehnen
Translation
to lean against, to lean on, to be based on
Examples
Er lehnte das Fahrrad an die Wand an.
He leaned the bicycle against the wall.
Lehn dich ruhig an mich an.
Feel free to lean on me.
Die Tür ist nur angelehnt.
The door is just ajar.
Grammar Patterns
sich ((an+4)) anlehnen to lean against sth. He leans against the wall.
((et4)) ((an+4)) anlehnen to lean sth. against sth. Lean the ladder against the tree.
Similar Words
Synonyms: stützen, abstützen
Etymology
From 'an-' (on, against) + 'lehnen' (to lean). Literally 'to lean on/against'.
Memory Tips
The prefix 'an-' indicates contact, so imagine leaning 'on' something.