01
ein Amt niederlegen
to resign
To voluntarily step down from an official position or office.
example
Der Minister hat nach dem Skandal sein Amt niedergelegt.
The minister resigned from his office after the scandal.
niederlegen
to lay down / resign
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Niederlegen' (to lay down / resign) is a separable verb. In a main clause in the present tense or simple past, the prefix 'nieder' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er legt den Stift auf dem Schreibtisch nieder.
He lays the pen down on the desk.
Word structure
The verb is made up of 'nieder' (an old form meaning 'down') and 'legen' (to lay). The basic meaning 'to lay something down' can be found in all uses, whether it is about an object, an office, or work.
EXAMPLE
Der König legte seine Krone nieder.
The king laid down his crown.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the exact meaning. 'Ein Amt niederlegen' means to resign. 'Die Arbeit niederlegen' means to go on strike. 'Einen Kranz niederlegen' is a ceremonial act.
EXAMPLE
Die Mitarbeiter drohten damit, die Arbeit niederzulegen.
The employees threatened to stop work.
Fixed expression
The meaning 'to resign' is used almost exclusively with the object 'Amt' (office) or a specific position such as 'Mandat' (mandate/seat). The expression is 'ein Amt niederlegen' (to resign from an office).
EXAMPLE
Die Bürgermeisterin legte überraschend ihr Amt nieder.
The mayor unexpectedly resigned from her office.
Register
In the meaning 'to record in writing', 'niederlegen' (to set down) is very formal and is used mainly in administrative or legal language. It implies that something is documented officially and permanently.
EXAMPLE
Die Bedingungen des Vertrags wurden schriftlich niedergelegt.
The terms of the contract were set down in writing.
Reflexive use
To express that you lie down in order to sleep or rest, the reflexive form 'sich niederlegen' (to lie down) is used. This form is rather elevated or literary.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem anstrengenden Tag legte er sich früh nieder.
After a tiring day, he lay down early.
Compare with
niederlegen vs einstellen
to hire / adjust / stop
'einstellen' and 'niederlegen' can both mean that work or an activity does not continue. 'einstellen' is more general: a company can stop or discontinue production, a service, or an activity. The reason does not have to be a protest. 'die Arbeit niederlegen' is used especially when people deliberately stop working in order to strike or protest. The words can be confused because both express an end to work. The important difference is: 'einstellen' is more about ending an activity; 'niederlegen' emphasizes a collective or deliberate work stoppage as a protest.
niederlegen
Die Beschäftigten legen die Arbeit nieder, weil sie bessere Löhne fordern.
The employees stop work because they are demanding better wages.
einstellen
Die Firma stellt den Busdienst am Abend ein, weil zu wenige Fahrgäste mitfahren.
The company is discontinuing the bus service in the evening because too few passengers use it.
In real life
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