German Phrase
Am besten alle Metallgegenstände ablegen.
Meaning
Literally, “It is best to put down all metal objects.” The sentence is a concise instruction, often heard at security checkpoints where metal detectors are used.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise someone—usually in a formal setting such as an airport, train station, concert hall, or any place with a metal detector—to remove metal items before passing through a scanner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
AmbestenalleMetallgegenständeablegen
Am besten (Superlative adverb)
Formed with the preposition “am” + adjective in its superlative form + “en”. It works like “best” in English and is used to give a recommendation.
Metallgegenstände (Compound noun)
A compound of “Metall” (metal) and “Gegenstände” (objects). The plural ending “‑e” is kept, so the whole word stays plural.
ablegen (separable verb)
The prefix “ab‑” separates in main clauses (e.g., “legen Sie das Handy ab”). In the infinitive it stays attached at the end, as in the sentence above.
🗨In Conversation
Bitte legen Sie Ihre Tasche und Ihren Gürtel ab.
Please put your bag and your belt aside.
Am besten alle Metallgegenstände ablegen.
It’s best to put down all metal objects.
✕Common Mistakes
Am besten ist, alle Metallgegenstände abzulegen.
The clause is grammatically correct but sounds overly formal for a quick instruction; the simple infinitive version is preferred.
Alle Metallgegenstände ablegen am besten.
Word order is wrong; “am besten” must come at the beginning of the recommendation.
Am besten alle Metallgegenstände ablegen Sie.
In German the verb “legen” must stay with its separable prefix at the end of the infinitive; placing “Sie” after the infinitive is incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Legen Sie bitte alle Metallgegenstände ab.
Please put all metal objects down.
Bitte legen Sie alle Metallgegenstände ab.
Please lay all metal objects aside.
Am besten legen Sie alle Metallgegenstände ab.
It’s best if you put all metal objects down.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries security personnel usually address travelers with the formal “Sie”. The word “Metallgegenstände” covers keys, watches, coins, belts, and even metal‑framed glasses. Saying the phrase politely and clearly helps the flow at busy checkpoints.