German Phrase
Leg deine Karte jetzt auf.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to place their card down immediately. The phrase is informal and uses the singular ‘du’ form, suitable for friends, family, or casual situations.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need someone to set their card (e.g., a credit card, ID, or playing card) on a table right away—perhaps in a game, at a checkout, or while checking in.
✦Grammar Breakdown
LegdeineKartejetztauf
Imperative of legen
For the verb *legen* (to lay), the singular informal imperative drops the -en ending: *Leg!* (or optionally *Lege!*).
Separable verb *auflegen*
In the imperative, the separable prefix *auf* moves to the end of the clause: *Leg … auf.*
Accusative object
*Karte* is a feminine noun, so the possessive article takes the accusative form *deine*.
Adverb placement
Time adverbs like *jetzt* are usually placed after the object and before the final verb particle.
🗨In Conversation
Leg deine Karte jetzt auf, sonst fällt sie vom Tisch.
Put your card down now, otherwise it will fall off the table.
Okay, gleich.
Okay, right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Lege deine Karte jetzt auf.
While *Lege* is grammatically possible, the more natural spoken form is *Leg* for the singular informal imperative.
Leg dein Karte jetzt auf.
The noun *Karte* is feminine; the accusative possessive must be *deine*, not *dein*.
Leg deine Karte auf jetzt.
Placing *jetzt* after the separable prefix sounds awkward; keep *jetzt* before the final *auf*.
↔Alternatives
Lege deine Karte jetzt hin.
Lay your card down now.
Bitte lege deine Karte sofort auf.
Please put your card on right away.
Setz deine Karte jetzt ab.
Set your card down now.
Cultural Tip
German speakers often add *bitte* to soften a command, especially in semi‑formal contexts. Also, the verb *auflegen* can mean ‘to put on’ (e.g., headphones), so make sure the surrounding context makes it clear you’re talking about placing a card on a surface.