English–German

“lean” in German

German

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈleːnən/

Example

Das Fahrrad lehnt am Zaun.

The bicycle is leaning against the fence.

Illustration for lehnen (lean)

How to say “lean” in German

“Lean” in German is lehnen.

Weight shifts onto a nearby support, whether that support is a wall or a person relied on for help.

Full entry for lehnen: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with lehnen

Er lehnt sich an die Wand.

He is leaning against the wall.

Tips for using lehnen

  • For clear figurative reliance, German usually uses sich auf jemanden verlassen; sich an jemanden lehnen more readily suggests physical contact.

“lean” in other languages