01
einstellen
to hire
To give someone a job; to employ someone.
example
Die Firma stellt ab nächstem Monat fünf neue Ingenieure ein.
The company is hiring five new engineers starting next month.
einstellen
to hire / adjust / stop
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einstellen' is a separable verb with the prefix 'ein-'. In a main clause in the present or simple past tense, the prefix goes to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er stellt den Fernseher leiser ein.
He turns the TV down.
Context is key
Since 'einstellen' has many meanings, context is crucial. If it is about people, it means 'anstellen' (to hire). With devices, it means 'justieren' (to adjust). With activities, it means 'beenden' (to stop/end). The reflexive form 'sich einstellen' has other meanings again.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma stellt neue Mitarbeiter ein.
The company is hiring new employees.
Fixed preposition
In the meaning 'to prepare oneself', the verb is always used reflexively and with the preposition 'auf' plus accusative: 'sich auf etwas einstellen' (to prepare for something).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen uns auf schlechtes Wetter einstellen.
We have to prepare for bad weather.
Reflexive without a preposition
When 'sich einstellen' is used without a preposition, it means that a state or feeling begins by itself. The subject is often something abstract, such as 'Erfolg' (success), 'Ruhe' (calm), or 'ein Gefühl' (a feeling).
EXAMPLE
Nach einer Weile stellte sich ein Gefühl der Zufriedenheit ein.
After a while, a feeling of satisfaction set in.
Typical collocations: hiring
In the meaning of 'employing someone', typical objects are 'Mitarbeiter' (employees), 'Personal' (staff), or 'Auszubildende' (trainees/apprentices). You can also say that someone is hired 'fest' (permanently) or 'befristet' (for a fixed term).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen stellt zum neuen Jahr 20 Auszubildende ein.
The company is hiring 20 trainees at the start of the new year.
Typical collocations: adjusting
When it comes to adjusting devices, 'einstellen' is often combined with 'Heizung' (heating), 'Radio' (radio), 'Wecker' (alarm clock), 'Temperatur' (temperature), or 'Lautstärke' (volume).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe vergessen, den Wecker für morgen früh einzustellen.
I forgot to set the alarm clock for tomorrow morning.
Typical collocations: stopping
The meaning 'to stop/end' is often used in formal or official contexts. Typical objects are 'der Betrieb' (operations/service), 'die Produktion' (production), 'die Zahlungen' (payments), or 'die Ermittlungen' (investigations).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei hat die Ermittlungen aus Mangel an Beweisen eingestellt.
The police discontinued the investigation due to a lack of evidence.
Compare with
einstellen vs stellen
to put / to set
'stellen' and 'einstellen' can both be used with devices when you choose a value or function. 'stellen' is especially typical with clocks and alarm clocks: you set the time or the alarm. 'einstellen' is used when you adjust a device, machine, or system more precisely, for example the temperature, the volume, or a camera. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that both have to do with making a change to a device. As a simple guide: you use 'stellen' for clocks and alarm clocks; you use 'einstellen' for many other devices.
einstellen
Vor der Reise stellt er die Kamera neu ein, weil die Bilder zu dunkel waren.
Before the trip, he readjusts the camera because the pictures were too dark.
stellen
Meine Freundin stellt den Wecker auf sechs Uhr.
My friend sets the alarm for six o'clock.
In real life
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