Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| stellen | /ˈʃtɛlən/ |
| setzen | /ˈzɛtsən/ /ˈsɛtsɛn/ |
| legen | /ˈleːɡən/ |
| tun | /tuːn/ |
While the formal expression Etwas platzieren can be used for positioning, the common verbs used for 'put' depend entirely on how the object is oriented.
Which one should you use?
German requires you to choose a specific verb based on the orientation of the object being placed. Use stellen to put something in a vertical or standing position. Use legen to put something in a horizontal or lying position. Use setzen to place something into a sitting position, such as a person or an animal. Finally, tun is a vague, colloquial way to say 'put' that is less precise than the other options.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
tun is a colloquial form. Etwas platzieren is a formal expression used for placing or positioning something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are expressing movement toward a destination (the act of putting something somewhere), the verbs stellen, legen and setzen require the accusative case for the prepositional phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃtɛlən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using a single general word for 'put' as in English. In German, you must select the verb based on whether the object is standing, lying or sitting.
Did you know?
- The German verb tun is a distant relative of the English verb 'do', meaning they both share a common ancestor that originally meant 'to put'.
- The verb stellen is also used when 'putting' a question to someone or 'putting' a goal in sports.
- The verb setzen is used not just for people and animals, but also for placing a piece of jewelry or a stone into a setting.
Examples in context
- Legen Sie es hin!Put it down.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb legen.Tatoeba #2055795 by Tamy, translation #41863 by CK
- Stellen Sie es dahin.Put it there.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb stellen.Tatoeba #1688319 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1553401 by CK
- Tun Sie das Buch da hin.Put the book there.This sentence is useful for practicing the colloquial verb tun.Tatoeba #7413232 by Yorwba, translation #2149075 by irrationale
- Bitte setzen Sie sichPlease take a seat
- Bitte platzieren Sie die Dokumente auf dem TischPlease put the documents on the table
- Bitte fügen Sie das Foto in die Präsentation einPlease insert the photo into the presentation
- Platzieren Sie das Protokoll auf dem Schreibtisch.Put the report on the desk, please.
- Fügen Sie die Datei in den Anhang ein.Please insert the file into the attachment.
- Leg die Bücher bitte auf den TischPut the books on the table, please
- Stell die Tasse bitte in den SchrankPut the cup in the cupboard, please
- Leg die Teller bitte auf den Tisch.Put the plates on the table, please.
- 242 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two roommates are organizing their kitchen.
- SarahLukas, stell bitte die Flasche in den Schrank.Lukas, please put the bottle in the cupboard.
- LukasSoll ich sie direkt ins Regal stellen?Should I put it directly on the shelf?
- SarahJa, stell sie einfach dort hinein.Yes, just put it in there.
- LukasAlles klar, das mache ich.All right, I will do that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “put” translations and entries stellen, setzen, legen, tun, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries legen, setzen, stellen, tun, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
