German word

niederlegen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈniːdɐˌleːgən/

Meaning

  • verbput down

Example

Er legt das Buch nieder.

He puts the book down.

Illustration for niederlegen (put down)

More examples

Sie legte das Paket auf den Tisch nieder.

She put the package down on the table.

Core concept

Something is deliberately placed below the hand and left in a settled position, whether it is an object, an office, a claim, or words.

Common phrases

  • auf den Tisch niederlegen

    put down on the table

  • etwas niederlegen

    put something down

Similar words

hinlegen: To put a hand-held object down on a surface and leave it there.
ablegen: To put aside clothing or a small item so the hands are free.
abstellen: To place an object or vehicle in a safe spot and leave it there.
zurücktreten: To give up a post or position by personal choice.

Definition in German

etwas nach unten auf eine Fläche legen; im übertragenen Sinn ein Amt oder Recht aufgeben oder etwas schriftlich festhalten

Word origin

Niederlegen combines inherited Germanic nieder, meaning downward, with legen, meaning to lay or place, and its physical sense developed figurative uses for relinquishing and recording.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, niederlegen is separable: Er legt das Buch nieder, while the infinitive remains together after a modal verb: Er muss das Buch niederlegen.

Other meanings

  • resignverb
  • give upverb
  • write downverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Niederlegungsubmissionnoun

Word lists with this word