Falten vs. zusammenlegen
The German verbs falten and zusammenlegen both translate to to fold, but they are not interchangeable. Falten emphasizes the technical action of creating a crease, while zusammenlegen focuses on the purpose of making something, usually textiles, compact and tidy for storage.
Falten
A2Falten describes the specific action of creating a distinct crease or sharp fold in an object. It is often used for paper, maps, or when shaping something precisely.
Er faltete den Brief sorgfältig, bevor er ihn in den Umschlag steckte.
(He folded the letter carefully before putting it in the envelope.)
In der Schule lernen wir, wie man einen Papierflieger faltet.
(In school, we learn how to fold a paper airplane.)
Sie faltete die Hände auf ihrem Schoß und wartete.
(She folded her hands on her lap and waited.)
Es ist schwierig, eine so große Landkarte richtig zu falten.
(It is difficult to fold such a large map correctly.)
Der Schneider muss den Stoff für den Rock in Falten legen.
(The tailor has to fold the fabric for the skirt into pleats.)
Zusammenlegen
A2Zusammenlegen describes the process of folding something up, usually multiple times, to make it neat, smaller, and compact for storage. It is the primary verb for laundry and textiles.
Nach dem Trocknen muss ich die ganze Wäsche zusammenlegen.
(After drying, I have to fold all the laundry.)
Kannst du mir bitte helfen, die Bettdecke zusammenzulegen?
(Can you please help me fold the duvet?)
Er legt seine T-Shirts immer sehr ordentlich zusammen.
(He always folds his t-shirts very neatly.)
Wir legten die Picknickdecke zusammen und packten sie ein.
(We folded up the picnic blanket and packed it away.)
Bitte lege die Handtücher zusammen und räume sie in den Schrank.
(Please fold the towels and put them in the closet.)
Summary
In essence, you falten a piece of paper to create a single crease or an origami figure, focusing on the fold itself. You zusammenlegen a pile of laundry, focusing on the end result of making clothes compact and tidy for storage. While a map can be gefaltet (folded) along its creases, you zusammenlegen your clothes.