zurücklegen
to cover
To cover a certain route or distance by walking, driving, or flying.
EXAMPLE
An einem Tag haben wir eine Strecke von 20 Kilometern zurückgelegt.
In one day, we covered a distance of 20 kilometers.
zurücklegen
to cover / put back / save
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Meanings
zurücklegen
to put back
To put something back in its original place or put it aside.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lege das Buch nach dem Lesen wieder ins Regal zurück.
Please put the book back on the shelf after reading it.
zurücklegen
to save
To save money or set it aside for a specific purpose.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Monat lege ich etwas Geld für den nächsten Urlaub zurück.
Every month, I save some money for the next vacation.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zurücklegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' appears at the end of the sentence in main clauses. In infinitive clauses with 'zu', 'zu' stands between 'zurück' and 'legen'.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reise legten wir jeden Tag eine weite Strecke zurück.
For the trip, we covered a long distance every day.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'zurück' (back) and 'legen' (to lay/put). This structure helps you understand the meanings: to 'put behind oneself' a distance, to 'put back' something in its place, or to 'set aside' money for later.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Lesen legte sie das Buch zurück ins Regal.
After reading, she put the book back on the shelf.
Context clue: the object
The object of the sentence reveals the meaning. If it is a distance, such as 'Strecke' (route/distance) or 'Kilometer' (kilometers), it is about traveling. If it is money, it is about saving. If it is an object, it is about putting it back in its place.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderer haben 15 Kilometer zurückgelegt.
The hikers covered 15 kilometers.
Compare with
zurücklegen vs aufheben
to pick up / keep / cancel
Aufheben and zurücklegen can mean keeping something for later. Aufheben mainly emphasizes that you are not throwing it away and intend to use it later. Zurücklegen additionally emphasizes putting the item aside or reserving it for a particular person or purpose.
zurücklegen
Ich lege den Brief für meine Schwester zurück.
I’m setting the letter aside for my sister.
aufheben
Ich hebe den Brief auf, damit ich ihn morgen noch einmal lesen kann.
I’m keeping the letter so I can read it again tomorrow.
In real life
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