German word

hängen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhɛŋən/

Meaning

  • verbhang

Example

Das Bild hängt an der Wand.

The picture hangs on the wall.

Illustration for hängen (hang)

More examples

Die Lampe hängt über dem Tisch.

The lamp hangs over the table.

Core concept

A coat on a hook shows an object supported above while its fabric falls freely below.

Common phrases

  • an der Garderobe hängen

    hang on the coat rack

  • im Schrank hängen

    hang in the closet

  • an einem Nagel hängen

    hang on a nail

Similar words

liegen: Be positioned flat on a level surface.
stehen: Be positioned vertically with the base touching the ground.
sitzen: Be in a seated position with weight resting on a seat.

Definition in German

sich in einer herabhängenden Lage befinden oder etwas an einem Punkt befestigen, sodass es herabhängt.

Word origin

German hängen developed from an inherited Germanic verb whose related forms express both suspended position and the act of making something suspend.

Usage tips

  • An + dative marks a fixed position, while an + accusative marks placement toward that position: Das Bild hängt an der Wand, but Ich hänge es an die Wand.

Other meanings

  • put upverb
  • suspendverb
  • dangleverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word