to withhold / confiscate
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to withhold
To not pay out part of an amount of money that someone is entitled to, but instead keep it back for a specific purpose. This typically happens with taxes, social security contributions, or deposits.
Der Arbeitgeber muss die Lohnsteuer direkt vom Gehalt einbehalten und an das Finanzamt abführen.
The employer must withhold wage tax directly from the salary and transfer it to the tax office.
'Einbehalten' (to withhold/confiscate) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ein' comes at the end. In a subordinate clause and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Zoll behält die gefälschte Ware ein.
Customs confiscates the counterfeit goods.
The object of the verb reveals the exact meaning. If it is about money, taxes, or a deposit, the financial meaning is intended. If it is about an object such as a phone or a passport, it means to confiscate.
Vom Bruttolohn wird ein Teil für die Sozialversicherung einbehalten.
A portion of the gross wage is withheld for social security.
In a financial context, 'einbehalten' (to withhold) is often combined with 'Steuern' (taxes), 'Sozialabgaben' (social security contributions), 'Kaution' (deposit), or 'Sicherheitsleistung' (security deposit). The source is also often named with 'von' (from).
Der Vermieter darf einen Teil der Kaution für die Reparatur einbehalten.
The landlord may withhold part of the deposit for the repair.
to lose weight / decrease / take off
'abnehmen' and 'einbehalten' can both mean that someone does not leave something with a person. 'abnehmen' emphasizes the moment when you take something away from someone, often officially or because of a rule. 'einbehalten' emphasizes that something is then not returned or not paid out. This can be an object, but also money, for example a deposit or part of someone's wages. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone loses something. The difference is: 'abnehmen' is the taking away, while 'einbehalten' is the withholding.
Der Vermieter behält einen Teil der Kaution wegen der Schäden ein.
The landlord withholds part of the deposit because of the damage.
Der Lehrer nimmt dem Schüler das Handy während der Prüfung ab.
The teacher takes the student's phone away during the exam.