auflegen
[ˈʔaufˌleːɡən]
To hang up the phone in German is auflegen.
The phrase auflegen is used to describe ending a telephone conversation by disconnecting the call. It is the opposite of abheben, which means to pick up the phone.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, auflegen means 'to lay/put on'. This historically refers to the physical act of placing the telephone receiver back onto its base.
How does it change in a sentence?
auflegen is a separable verb. The past participle is aufgelegt, which is used to form the perfect tense, for example: 'Er hat aufgelegt' ('He has hung up').
Did you know?
- The verb auflegen also means 'to put on a record' when using a turntable. This is why a DJ in Germany is often referred to as someone who auflegt.
- In a medical setting, if a doctor tells you to auflegen, they are not telling you to end a phone call, but to apply a bandage or a compress to a wound.
- If a baker or cook is auflegen, they are 'laying out' or serving food on a platter.
Examples in context
- Warte kurz! Nicht auflegen!Wait a minute! Don't hang up the phone!This sentence is useful for practicing the use of auflegen in a negative command.Tatoeba #11267715 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10272885 by AlanF_US
- Ich lege jetzt auf.I am hanging up now.
- Du darfst jetzt einfach auflegen.You can just hang up now.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking on the phone while Laura is busy.
- LauraIch muss jetzt leider auflegen.I'm afraid I have to hang up now.
- FelixIst es bei dir so stressig?Is it that stressful for you?
- LauraJa, ich muss schnell auflegen.Yes, I have to hang up quickly.
- FelixAlles klar, bis später, Laura!Alright, see you later, Laura!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auflegen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
