01
rumliegen
to lie around
Colloquial for objects lying around in a disorderly way or in an unsuitable place.
example
Lass deine schmutzigen Socken nicht überall im Zimmer rumliegen!
Don't leave your dirty socks lying around all over the room!
rumliegen
to lie around
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Rumliegen' (to lie around / to laze around) is a separable verb. The prefix 'rum-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Deine Jacke liegt schon wieder auf dem Boden rum.
Your jacket is lying around on the floor again.
Register and origin
The verb 'rumliegen' (to lie around / to laze around) is colloquial. The prefix 'rum-' is a short, informal form of 'herum-'. In more formal contexts, you would choose other expressions.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, nur faul rumzuliegen und hilf mir mal!
Stop lazily lying around and help me for once!
Context clue
The meaning depends on the subject. If objects are the subject, it means 'to be lying around in a disorderly way'. If a person is the subject, it means 'to laze around'.
EXAMPLE
Überall lagen leere Flaschen rum.
Empty bottles were lying around everywhere.
Typical location phrases
When talking about disorderly objects, the location is often given with prepositions like 'auf' (on), 'in' (in), or with the adverb 'überall' (everywhere).
EXAMPLE
Warum müssen deine Bücher immer auf dem Küchentisch rumliegen?
Why do your books always have to lie around on the kitchen table?
Compare with
rumliegen vs rumstehen
to stand around
'rumliegen' and 'rumstehen' are colloquial and often describe something messy or idle. For objects, you use 'rumliegen' when they are lying around somewhere, for example on the table or on the floor. 'rumstehen' fits when things have been put somewhere and are standing in the way, for example boxes or chairs. For people, 'rumliegen' is more like lazing around, often on the sofa or in bed. 'rumstehen' means that someone is standing idly in one place. The words can be confused because both express that something or someone is not usefully occupied. The important point is the body position or placement: lying or standing.
rumliegen
Im Wohnzimmer liegen überall alte Zeitungen rum.
There are old newspapers lying around everywhere in the living room.
rumstehen
Vor der Tür stehen noch mehrere Kartons rum.
There are still several boxes sitting around in front of the door.
In real life
Loading video examples...