German word

belegen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈleːgən/

Meaning

  • verboccupy

Example

Die Plätze sind belegt.

The seats are occupied.

Illustration for belegen (occupy)

More examples

Ich belege mein Sandwich mit Schinken.

I top my sandwich with ham.

Core concept

Something is laid onto an available spot or surface, or evidence is laid alongside a claim to support it.

Common phrases

  • einen Kurs belegen

    take a course

  • einen Sitzplatz belegen

    occupy a seat

  • ein Sandwich mit Schinken belegen

    top a sandwich with ham

Similar words

anmelden: To register for a place or service by submitting details to an office or website.
reservieren: To secure a seat or time slot in advance.
besetzen: To physically fill a place or position with a person or object.
buchen: To pay for and officially arrange travel or a seat.

Definition in German

Plätze oder Stellen räumlich oder formell besetzen; einen Kurs anmelden und besuchen; etwas auf eine Fläche legen; etwas durch Belege untermauern

Word origin

Belegen is formed from the Germanic verb legen, 'to lay,' with be-, and developed meanings for occupying places, taking courses, and documenting claims.

Usage tips

  • For courses, einen Kurs belegen is a formal expression for enrolling in and taking a course; sich für einen Kurs anmelden is also common.

Other meanings

  • takeverb
  • proveverb
  • topverb

Opposites

  • abmeldenderegisterverb
  • freimachenvacateverb

Related words

  • Belegungoccupancynoun
  • Belegreceiptnoun
  • belegtoccupiedadjective

Word lists with this word