einstecken
to put in
To put something into a pocket, bag, or another container.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Portemonnaie in die Jackentasche eingesteckt.
He put his wallet in his jacket pocket.
einstecken
to put in / to take
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Meanings
einstecken
to take
To have to accept or endure something negative, such as criticism, a defeat, or a blow.
EXAMPLE
Im Boxkampf musste er einige harte Schläge einstecken.
In the boxing match, he had to take several hard blows.
einstecken
to pocket
To keep something for oneself or take it, often in a dishonest or secretive way.
EXAMPLE
Der Kassierer hat am Ende des Tages etwas Geld eingesteckt.
At the end of the day, the cashier pocketed some money.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einstecken' (to put in / to take) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ein-' comes at the end of the sentence. In the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between the prefix and the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er steckt den Schlüssel in seine Hosentasche ein.
He puts the key in his trouser pocket.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'ein-' (in/into) and 'stecken' (to put/stick). The literal meaning 'to put something into something' is the basis for the figurative meanings.
EXAMPLE
Steck den Stecker in die Steckdose ein.
Plug the plug into the socket.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning from the fact that it involves a concrete object (e.g., phone, money) and a concrete place (e.g., pocket, backpack).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat den Brief schnell in ihre Handtasche eingesteckt.
She quickly put the letter in her handbag.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'to endure,' 'einstecken' is often combined with negative, abstract things. Typical phrases are: 'Kritik einstecken' (to take criticism), 'eine Niederlage einstecken' (to suffer a defeat), or 'einen Verlust einstecken' (to take a loss).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft musste eine schwere Niederlage einstecken.
The team had to suffer a heavy defeat.
Register
The meaning 'to secretly keep something for oneself' is colloquial and has a negative connotation. It implies that the action is dishonest.
EXAMPLE
Hat er das Wechselgeld einfach eingesteckt?
Did he simply pocket the change?
Compare with
einstecken vs annehmen
to accept / assume
When talking about criticism, both „annehmen“ and „einstecken“ can fit. „Annehmen“ emphasizes accepting or taking the criticism on board, while „einstecken“ highlights having to endure something negative. Choose „annehmen“ when the focus is on a possible reaction and „einstecken“ when the focus is on the burden caused by the criticism.
einstecken
Der Redakteur musste die Kritik einstecken, obwohl er anderer Meinung war.
The editor had to take the criticism, even though he disagreed.
annehmen
Die Redakteurin nahm die Kritik an und überarbeitete den Artikel.
The editor accepted the criticism and revised the article.
In real life
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