01
anlegen
to invest
To invest money in such a way that it brings interest or profit.
example
Er hat sein Erspartes gewinnbringend in Aktien angelegt.
He invested his savings profitably in stocks.
anlegen
to invest / create / dock
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anlegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sie legt einen neuen Garten an.
She creates a new garden.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'an-' and 'legen' (to lay, to put). The basic idea is to bring or position something in a place. This idea appears in many meanings, for example investing money, designing a garden, or mooring a ship at the shore.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner legt ein neues Blumenbeet an.
The gardener creates a new flower bed.
Typical collocations: money
In the financial meaning, the object is almost always money or an investment. Typical combinations are 'Geld anlegen' (to invest money), 'Kapital anlegen' (to invest capital), 'Ersparnisse anlegen' (to invest savings), or 'in Aktien anlegen' (to invest in stocks).
EXAMPLE
Sie möchte ihr Geld sicher anlegen.
She wants to invest her money safely.
Typical collocations: creating
In the meaning 'erstellen' (to create) or 'einrichten' (to set up), the objects are things that get a structure. Common combinations are 'einen Garten anlegen' (to create a garden), 'eine Liste anlegen' (to create a list), or 'ein Benutzerkonto anlegen' (to create a user account).
EXAMPLE
Für die Party müssen wir eine Gästeliste anlegen.
For the party, we need to create a guest list.
Fixed construction
The expression 'sich mit jemandem anlegen' (to mess with someone) is reflexive and always uses the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. It means to provoke an argument.
EXAMPLE
Leg dich besser nicht mit ihm an!
You'd better not mess with him!
Use without an object
When it is about ships, 'anlegen' (to dock) is often used without a direct object. The subject is then the ship or boat.
EXAMPLE
Das große Kreuzfahrtschiff legt gerade im Hafen an.
The large cruise ship is docking in the harbor right now.
Typical collocations: body
In the meaning 'etwas an den Körper bringen' (to put something on the body), the objects are often things like 'einen Verband' (a bandage), 'den Sicherheitsgurt' (the seat belt), or 'Schmuck' (jewelry).
EXAMPLE
Bitte legen Sie jetzt den Sicherheitsgurt an.
Please fasten your seat belt now.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'einen Maßstab anlegen' (to apply a standard) is a fixed expression. It means that you judge something according to a particular criterion.
EXAMPLE
Man kann nicht an alle den gleichen Maßstab anlegen.
You cannot apply the same standard to everyone.
Compare with
anlegen vs eröffnen
to open
'eröffnen' and 'anlegen' overlap especially with accounts. You can 'eröffnen' an account at a bank because it is an official process. 'anlegen' is used more when you create something according to a plan, for example a list, a garden, or also a user account. The confusion is easy because you may hear both in some situations. With a bank account, 'eröffnen' usually sounds more natural; with files, lists, or user accounts, 'anlegen' often fits better.
anlegen
Vor dem Termin legt meine Kollegin eine neue Kundenliste an.
Before the appointment, my colleague creates a new customer list.
eröffnen
Nächste Woche eröffnet Mehmet ein Sparkonto für sein Gehalt.
Next week, Mehmet is opening a savings account for his salary.
In real life
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