to be behind
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to be behind
To be the hidden cause, the real motive, or the person responsible behind something. The verb is inseparable.
Bei seiner plötzlichen Kündigung muss mehr dahinterstecken, als er zugibt.
There must be more behind his sudden resignation than he admits.
The verb is made up of the adverb 'dahinter' (behind it/that) and the verb 'stecken' (to be stuck/to be located). The literal meaning 'hinter etwas stecken' (to be behind something) helps you understand the figurative meaning of a hidden cause or motive.
Ich glaube, hinter dieser Entscheidung steckt ein geheimer Plan.
I think there is a secret plan behind this decision.
'Dahinterstecken' (to be behind it) is a separable verb. In a simple main clause, 'stecken' is in second position and the prefix 'dahinter' is at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together.
Ich bin sicher, da steckt mehr dahinter.
I'm sure there is more behind it.
This verb is very often used in questions with 'was' (what) or 'wer' (who) to ask about the hidden cause.
Was steckt wirklich hinter dem Angebot?
What is really behind the offer?
to stick / to be stuck
'hinter etwas stecken' and 'dahinterstecken' both mean that there is a hidden reason, motive, or responsible person. The difference is mainly in the form. With 'stecken', you need the phrase 'hinter etwas stecken': 'Wer steckt hinter dem Plan?' (Who is behind the plan?). 'dahinterstecken' is its own verb and already refers to this 'behind it'. It is inseparable. Learners may confuse this because the two sound very similar. A practical tip: you either say 'hinter etwas steckt ...' or '... steckt dahinter'.
Im Gespräch fragt sich Maria, welches Ziel dahintersteckt.
During the conversation, Maria wonders what goal is behind it.
Niemand weiß, wer hinter der falschen Nachricht steckt.
No one knows who is behind the false report.