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.
to confiscate
To take an object and not give it back, often as a disciplinary measure or because a rule has been broken.
Der Lehrer hat das Handy des Schülers bis zum Ende des Schultages einbehalten.
The teacher confiscated the student's phone until the end of the school day.
'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 move in / collect / absorb
Einziehen and einbehalten can both be used with a prohibited object. Einziehen emphasizes the official removal of the object or its removal on the basis of a rule. Einbehalten emphasizes that the responsible person does not return, or does not initially return, an object that has already been taken.
Die Prüfungsaufsicht behält das verbotene Handy bis zum Ende der Prüfung ein.
The exam proctor keeps the prohibited phone until the end of the exam.
Die Prüfungsaufsicht zieht das verbotene Handy nach den Regeln ein.
The exam proctor confiscates the prohibited phone in accordance with the rules.
