verb

ablegen

take · take off · take (exam) · put · put down

Etwas zur Seite tun, nicht mehr tragen oder benutzen, zum Beispiel Kleidung oder eine Gewohnheit. Es kann auch bedeuten, etwas offiziell einzureichen oder zu beginnen, wie etwa eine Prüfung.

Definition & meaning

The German verb ablegen is a versatile word with several distinct meanings depending on the context:

To take off clothing: It is frequently used when removing outer garments like a coat, hat, or jacket. For example, when entering a house, one might be asked to "take off" their coat.
To take an exam or oath: In a formal context, it refers to the act of performing a required task, such as taking a test (eine Prüfung ablegen) or swearing an oath (einen Eid ablegen).
To file or store: In an office or digital environment, it means to put documents or data into a specific place, folder, or archive for storage.
To discard or give up: It can describe getting rid of a habit, a feeling, or a characteristic, such as "discarding" a bad habit or "casting off" one's shyness.
Nautical use (to cast off): In shipping, it refers to a vessel leaving the dock, pier, or shore to begin a journey.

Grammar & Word origin

ablegen is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a main clause, the prefix ab- moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., Ich lege den Mantel ab). Its principal parts are:

Infinitive: ablegen
Preterite: legte ab
Past participle: abgelegt

The word is composed of the prefix ab-, which generally signifies "away," "off," or "down," and the verb legen , meaning "to lay" or "to put." Etymologically, it conveys the sense of "laying something down" or "putting something away."