Stellen is a German verb that means "to place" or "to set," specifically referring to putting something in an upright or deliberate position. It’s a regular verb and follows the typical conjugation pattern for -en verbs.
- Meaning: to place, to set (usually something upright or deliberately positioned)
- Verb type: regular
- Infinitive: stellen
- Example: Ich stelle die Bücher ins Regal. — I place (set) the books on the shelf.
Stellen means 'to place' or 'to set.'
'stellen' is a regular verb.
Conjugation
Stellen is conjugated like any other regular -en verb:
| Person | Conjugation | Example (stellen = to place) |
|---|---|---|
| ich (I) | stelle | Ich stelle den Stuhl an die Wand. |
| du (you, sing.) | stellst | Du stellst die Flasche auf den Tisch. |
| er/sie/es (he/she/it) | stellt | Er stellt den Wecker. |
| wir (we) | stellen | Wir stellen die Geräte bereit. |
| ihr (you, pl.) | stellt | Ihr stellt die Tassen hin. |
| sie/Sie (they/you formal) | stellen | Sie stellen die Dekoration. |
Past tense (Perfekt) is formed with haben + gestellt:
- Ich habe den Wecker gestellt. (I set the alarm.)
Additional:
- Stellung nehmen = to take a position (figurative: to express one’s opinion)
- Bestellen (with prefix) = to order (food, goods)
The past participle of 'stellen' is 'gestellt'.
'stellen' uses 'haben' as its auxiliary verb.
Usage and Examples
Stellen is used when you set or place something deliberately, usually in an upright position, or arrange something so it functions (like setting a machine).
- Physical placement:
- Ich stelle die Vase auf den Tisch.
- (I place the vase on the table.)
- Arranging/Setting up:
- Er stellt Fragen.
- (He asks/poses questions.)
- Adjusting/Setting:
- Kannst du die Heizung stellen?
- (Can you set the heater?)
It is not used for passive placement (then use legen or setzen), but rather for active, intentional positioning of things.
'stellen' is used for placing or setting things (usually upright) in a deliberate way.
'stellen' can be used for physical placement and some abstract uses like posing questions.
Opposite/Related Verbs
| Verb | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| legen | to lay (something down) | Used for horizontal placement |
| setzen | to seat/put (someone) | Used for seating or placing something/someone down |
| stellen | to place/set (upright) | Active, intentional placement |
- legen: A book is gelegt (laid down).
- stellen: A book is gestellt (placed upright).
You would use 'stellen' for placing a book upright.
'legen' for horizontal, 'stellen' for upright placement.
Conclusion
Stellen is your go-to verb for deliberately placing or setting things upright, emphasizing active positioning over mere placement.
- Used for placing or setting (usually upright)
- Regular verb: stellen, stellst, stellt...
- Not for passive placement—use legen or setzen instead
'stellen' means to place or set (things).
Correct forms are ich stelle, du stellst, wir stellen...
'Sie stellen die Stühle.' is correct for placing (setting) chairs upright.
'legen' and 'setzen' are used for different types of placing.
The past participle is 'gestellt'.
'stellen' uses 'haben' in perfect tense.