belegen

Belegen is the infinitive form of the German verb belegen. The verb has several related meanings, depending on context: to provide or furnish evidence for something; to enroll in or attend a course or program; to occupy a seat, position, or space; and to cover or lay something with a material.

In the sense of evidence, belegen means to prove or demonstrate by offering Belege (evidence). In education, “ein Kurs belegen” means to enroll in a course. In occupancy, “einen Platz belegen” or “eine Stelle belegen” means to take or occupy a place or position. In a construction or material sense, “eine Oberfläche belegen” or “den Boden belegen” means to cover a surface with a material, such as tiles or carpeting.

Etymology and grammar: belegen comes from be- plus legen (to lay). It is a regular verb with typical present tense forms: ich belege, du belegst, er/sie/es belegt. The past participle is belegt, used with haben to form perfect tenses.

Related words and concepts include der Beleg (evidence or receipt) and Belegung (occupancy or enrollment). The exact meaning of belegen is determined by its object and by context, with common constructions such as belegen als Beweis; ein Kurs belegen; einen Platz belegen.