German Conversation · Level 134
29 words
German word
auflegen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈaʊ̯fˌleːgn̩/
Meaning
- verbhang up
Example
Ich lege jetzt auf.
I'm hanging up now.
More examples
Im Club legt der DJ alte Platten auf.
At the club, the DJ plays old records.
Core concept
A hand places something onto a surface, device, or public platform, leaving it ready for use or attention.
Common phrases
den Hörer auflegen
hang up the receiver
Similar words
abheben: Answer a phone call by picking up the receiver.
anrufen: Call someone by telephone.
Definition in German
Das Telefongespräch beenden, indem man den Hörer niederlegt.
Word origin
Auflegen combines auf ('onto/on') with legen ('to lay/place'), extending the basic idea of placing something onto a surface to records and published editions.
Usage tips
- Auflegen is separable: 'Ich lege jetzt auf' has the prefix at the end, while the infinitive keeps it attached.