zurücklegen

Zurücklegen is a German verb that translates to "to put back," "to lay down," or "to place back" in English. It is a separable verb, meaning the prefix "zurück" separates from the main verb "legen" in certain grammatical constructions. For example, in the present tense, you would say "Ich lege das Buch zurück" (I put the book back). However, in dependent clauses or when a modal verb is used, the prefix remains attached, as in "Ich weiß nicht, wann ich das Buch zurücklegen werde" (I don't know when I will put the book back) or "Ich kann das Buch nicht zurücklegen" (I cannot put the book back).

The verb "zurücklegen" can also be used metaphorically. It can signify "to cover" a distance, as in "Wir haben 300 Kilometer zurückgelegt" (We covered 300 kilometers). In this context, it implies traveling a certain extent. It can also mean "to reserve" or "to set aside" something, though this usage is less common and may sometimes be confused with other verbs. The past participle is "zurückgelegt." Understanding the context is crucial for correctly interpreting the meaning of "zurücklegen" in German sentences.