Whereas English uses the verb "to put" in a variety of contexts, Germans choose more specific verbs for "putting" things someplace. There is no general, non-slang word in German which fits all cases. The choice of verb depends on the shape, nature or orientation of the items to "be put."

Things in a jumble, no upright orientation possible: TUN

Examples: sugar cubes into coffee, ingredients into a mixing bowl, rolls into a bag
 

Things oriented upright, "bottom side" down: STELLEN

Examples: bottles onto table, car in front of house, books onto shelves, suitcases beside the bed
 

Things laid flat: LEGEN

Examples: books onto a table, newspaper onto the couch, towels into a closet, tire into the trunk
 

Things suspended from something: HÄNGEN

Examples: pictures onto a wall, coats into a closet, towels over a rack
 

Things inserted into something else: STECKEN

Examples: hands into pockets, money into a purse, finger into light socket
 

Coins inserted into a machine: EINWERFEN
 

Examples of Putting, Placing

• Wo soll ich die Koffer hinstellen, mein Herr?
• Gut, danke schön. Legen Sie ihn in den Kofferraum.