01
einteilen
to divide
To divide something into several parts, sections, or groups.
example
Der Lehrer hat die Klasse in vier Gruppen eingeteilt.
The teacher divided the class into four groups.
einteilen
to divide / manage / assign
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einteilen' (to divide/manage/assign) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich teile mir den Kuchen gerecht ein.
I divide the cake fairly for myself.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ein-' and the verb 'teilen' (to divide/share). Here, the prefix strengthens the idea of organizing something into closed units or groups.
EXAMPLE
Wir teilen den Text in drei Abschnitte ein.
We divide the text into three sections.
Sentence structure with 'in'
When something is divided into sections, the preposition 'in' is used followed by the accusative. The pattern is: etwas (Akk.) in etwas (Akk.) einteilen (to divide something into something).
EXAMPLE
Die Organisatorin teilte die Teilnehmer in kleine Gruppen ein.
The organizer divided the participants into small groups.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'to use in a planned way', the verb is reflexive. The person managing something is in the dative (sich), and the resource is in the accusative. The pattern is: sich (Dat.) etwas (Akk.) einteilen (to manage something for oneself).
EXAMPLE
Du musst dir dein Geld besser einteilen, sonst ist es am Monatsende weg.
You need to manage your money better, otherwise it will be gone by the end of the month.
Sentence structure with 'zu'/'für'
When a person is assigned to a task, the preposition 'zu' with the dative or 'für' with the accusative often follows. The pattern is: jemanden (Akk.) zu/für etwas einteilen (to assign someone to/for something).
EXAMPLE
Der Chef hat mich für das neue Projekt eingeteilt.
The boss assigned me to the new project.
Compare with
einteilen vs einsetzen
to insert / to begin / to use
'einsetzen' and 'einteilen' can both be used with people and tasks. 'Einsetzen' means using or providing people or resources for a purpose. 'Einteilen' means more specifically that someone is assigned to a particular task, shift, or group. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone is supposed to do something. The difference is: 'einteilen' describes the planning or assignment, while 'einsetzen' describes the actual use for a task.
einteilen
Die Lehrerin teilt Mehmet für den Ordnungsdienst ein.
The teacher assigns Mehmet to cleanup duty.
einsetzen
Wir setzen morgen zwei Kollegen ein, damit der Laden länger offen bleiben kann.
Tomorrow we will use two colleagues so that the store can stay open longer.
In real life
Loading video examples...