Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| sich hinlegen | /zɪç ˈhɪnleːɡn̩/ (word by word) |
| sich legen | /zɪç ˈleːɡən/ (word by word) |
| liegen | /ˈliːɡən/ |
| niederlegen | [ˈniːdɐˌleːɡn̩] (narrow) |
This verb is used to describe the act of assuming a horizontal position.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether you are describing an action or a state. Use sich hinlegen to describe the action of moving from a standing or sitting position to a horizontal one. In contrast, use liegen to describe the state of already being in a horizontal position. While niederlegen can mean to lie down, it is also frequently used to mean 'to lay something down', such as a tool or a task.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase sich hinlegen is a reflexive verb, which means it requires a reflexive pronoun (such as mich, dich, sich, etc.) that matches the subject of the sentence. The form sich legen is also available.
How do you pronounce it?
/zɪç ˈhɪnleːɡn̩/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the state of being horizontal with the action of lying down. Remember that liegen describes the state of being horizontal, whereas sich hinlegen describes the action of moving into that position.
Did you know?
- The German verb niederlegen is used in official contexts to mean 'to resign' or 'to surrender' a position of power.
- While sich hinlegen describes the act of lying down, the word liegen is also used to describe the geographical location of a city or mountain.
- The component hin in sich hinlegen implies a direction, specifically moving 'towards' or 'onto' a surface.
Examples in context
- Ich muss mich niederlegen.I need to lie down.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of niederlegen.Tatoeba #8614996 by brauchinet, translation #2083429 by CM
- Fällt dir im Liegen das Atmen schwer?Do you have difficulty breathing when you lie down flat?This sentence is useful for showing how to use liegen to describe a state.Tatoeba #9858872 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9853829 by NurseMeeks
- Tom sagte, er habe starke Kopfschmerzen und müsse sich hinlegen.Tom said that he had a bad headache and needed to lie down.This sentence is useful for practicing the reflexive use of sich hinlegen.Tatoeba #4913663 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4913182 by Hybrid
- Legen Sie sich hin, wenn Sie möchten.Feel free to lie down.
- Wenn Sie möchten, können Sie sich hinlegen.If you would like, you can lie down.
- Kannst du dich hinlegen?Can you lie down?
- Leg dich hin, wenn du magst.Lie down if you like.
- Leg dich auf den Rücken.Lie down on your back.
- Kannst du dich auf die Seite legen?Can you lie down on your side?
- Leg dich bequem hin.Lie down comfortably.
- Kannst du dich schnell hinlegen?Can you lie down quickly?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lie down” translations and entries liegen, niederlegen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sich, hinlegen, legen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
