German Conversation · Level 46
74 words
German word
hinlegen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhɪnˌleːgən/
Meaning
- verbput down
Example
Ich lege die Tasse hin.
I put the cup down.
More examples
Sie legt das Buch vorsichtig auf den Stuhl hin.
She carefully puts the book down on the chair.
Core concept
A hand guides a flat object toward a resting place, or a person lowers the body into a lying position.
Common phrases
ein Buch hinlegen
put down a book
das Handy hinlegen
put down the phone
etwas für später hinlegen
set something aside for later
Similar words
legen: Put something down flat.
stellen: Position something so it stands upright.
setzen: Help a person sit or place an object in a set position.
ablegen: Lay something aside briefly.
Definition in German
Etwas irgendwohin bringen und dort so ablegen, dass es flach liegt; auch reflexiv: sich hinlegen = sich niederlegen.
Word origin
The separable verb combines the directional particle 'hin' with 'legen', an inherited Germanic verb related to English 'lay'.
Usage tips
- In a main clause, 'hin' separates from the verb, as in 'Ich lege die Tasse hin', but it stays attached in the infinitive 'hinlegen'.