German Conversation · Level 84
57 words
German word
lehnen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈleːnən/
Meaning
- verblean
Example
Das Fahrrad lehnt am Zaun.
The bicycle is leaning against the fence.
More examples
Er lehnt sich an die Wand.
He is leaning against the wall.
Core concept
Weight shifts onto a nearby support, whether that support is a wall or a person relied on for help.
Common phrases
sich an lehnen
lean against
an der Wand lehnen
lean against the wall
Similar words
anlehnen: To place the body against something and lean lightly on it.
aufstützen: To support the body briefly with a hand or elbow.
stützen: To support a structure or person and keep it from moving.
sich verlassen: To rely on someone for help, support, or assurance.
Definition in German
sich an jemanden oder etwas lehnen bedeutet, sich körperlich stützen oder im übertragenen Sinn auf jemanden/etwas verlassen
Word origin
Lehnen is a native Germanic word and shares its historical root with English lean.
Usage tips
- For clear figurative reliance, German usually uses sich auf jemanden verlassen; sich an jemanden lehnen more readily suggests physical contact.