ab|legen
Translation
to put down, to take off, to take (an exam), to file
Examples
Er legt das Buch auf den Tisch.
He puts the book on the table.
Bitte legen Sie Ihren Mantel ab.
Please take off your coat.
Sie muss eine Prüfung ablegen.
She has to take an exam.
Die Dokumente werden im Ordner abgelegt.
The documents are filed in the folder.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) ((on sth.)) to put sth. down on sth. Er legt das Buch auf den Tisch.
((sth.)) to take sth. off Please take off your coat.
((sth.)) to take an exam She has to take an exam.
Similar Words
Synonyms: hinlegen, ausziehen; Antonyms: aufheben, anziehen
Etymology
From the prefix 'ab-' (off, down) + 'legen' (to lay, put). Literally 'to lay down'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'laying down' a book, 'laying off' a coat, or 'laying down' your knowledge for an exam.