eindecken
to cover
To cover a roof with tiles, slate, or another material in order to make it weatherproof.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm mussten wir das gesamte Dach neu eindecken lassen.
After the storm, we had to have the entire roof covered again.
eindecken
to cover / stock up / set
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Meanings
sich eindecken mit
to stock up on
To buy or obtain a large amount of something in order to build up a supply.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Wintereinbruch haben sich viele Leute mit Lebensmitteln eingedeckt.
Before the onset of winter, many people stocked up on food.
eindecken
to set
To prepare a table for a meal by placing dishes, cutlery, and glasses on it. This meaning is less common than 'den Tisch decken' (to set the table).
EXAMPLE
Für das Festessen wurde der Tisch festlich eingedeckt.
For the festive meal, the table was festively set.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Eindecken' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Dachdecker deckt das Dach neu ein.
The roofer is covering the roof again.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If people are talking about a 'Dach' (roof), it is about construction. If the verb is reflexive ('sich eindecken mit'), it is about buying supplies. If the object is 'der Tisch' (the table), it is about table settings.
EXAMPLE
Wir lassen das Dach mit neuen Ziegeln eindecken.
We are having the roof covered with new tiles.
Reflexive with preposition
In the meaning 'Vorräte anlegen' (to build up supplies), the verb is always used reflexively and with the preposition 'mit' + dative: 'sich mit etwas eindecken' (to stock up on something).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Feiertag decken sich alle mit Lebensmitteln ein.
Before the holiday, everyone stocks up on food.
Use with 'mit'
When talking about roofs, the preposition 'mit' is often used to name the material: 'das Dach mit Ziegeln eindecken' (to cover the roof with tiles).
EXAMPLE
Das historische Gebäude wurde mit Schiefer eingedeckt.
The historic building was covered with slate.
Compare with
eindecken vs decken
to cover / to set
decken and eindecken can both mean preparing a table for a meal. With a table, „den Tisch decken“ is the fixed and usual expression; „den Tisch eindecken“ is also grammatically possible, but less common. In everyday situations, usually use decken, while eindecken places more emphasis on preparing everything completely.
eindecken
Vor dem Abendessen deckt Lisa den Tisch mit Tellern, Gläsern und Besteck ein.
Before dinner, Lisa sets the table with plates, glasses, and cutlery.
decken
Vor dem Abendessen deckt Lisa den Tisch mit Tellern, Gläsern und Besteck.
Before dinner, Lisa sets the table with plates, glasses, and cutlery.
In real life
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