01
eingeben
to enter
To enter data, commands, or text into a computer system or machine using a keyboard or another input device.
example
Bitte geben Sie Ihre Adresse in das Online-Formular ein.
Please enter your address in the online form.
eingeben
to enter / to administer
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Eingeben' (to enter / to administer) 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
Ich gebe schnell mein Passwort ein.
I quickly enter my password.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ein-' and the verb 'geben' (to give). The prefix 'ein-' here has the meaning of 'into', which can be seen in all meanings: data into a computer, medicine into a body, or an idea into the mind.
EXAMPLE
Geben Sie den Betrag in den Automaten ein.
Enter the amount into the machine.
Sentence structure
When you enter data, you often use the preposition 'in' with the accusative to describe the place where the entry is made.
EXAMPLE
Geben Sie den Code in das dafür vorgesehene Feld ein.
Enter the code in the field provided for it.
Dative construction
When administering medicine to an animal or a person, the person or animal is in the dative and the medicine is in the accusative. So the structure is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) eingeben.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter gibt ihrem kranken Kind den Hustensaft ein.
The mother administers the cough syrup to her sick child.
Register
The meaning 'to convey an idea to someone' is elevated and is used mainly in written language or literary texts. It is rare in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Ein innerer Impuls schien ihm diese Entscheidung eingegeben zu haben.
An inner impulse seemed to have instilled this decision in him.
Compare with
eingeben vs geben
to give
'geben' and 'eingeben' are linguistically related, but they are used in different situations. 'geben' is general and means that someone hands something over or provides it. 'eingeben' is much more specific: you enter data into a device, administer medicine to a person or animal, or convey an idea to someone. The words can be confused because 'geben' is contained in 'eingeben'. In practice: use 'geben' for a normal handover. Use 'eingeben' for computers, forms, codes, or targeted administration of medicine.
eingeben
Emma gibt beim Termin ihre Kundennummer in das Tablet ein.
At the appointment, Emma enters her customer number into the tablet.
geben
Mara gibt dem Fahrer morgen die Adresse des Hotels.
Mara will give the driver the address of the hotel tomorrow.
In real life
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