einschieben

Definition & meaning

The verb einschieben is a separable verb that can be used in several contexts:

1. To insert or slide something in: This is the most common physical meaning, referring to placing an object into a gap, a space, or between other objects. For example, sliding a piece of paper into a folder or pushing a tray into an oven.
2. To interject or insert (in speech or text): This refers to adding a remark, a clause, or a sentence into an ongoing conversation or a written text. It implies placing extra information between existing content.
3. To delay (rare): In some contexts, it can imply inserting a period of time or a waiting interval, often to postpone something else.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

• It is a strong, separable verb (participle II: eingeschoben).
• When conjugated in a main clause, the prefix ein- moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Ich schiebe das Blatt ein").

Word origin:

• The word is composed of the prefix ein- (into/in) and the verb schieben (to push/slide). It literally translates to "pushing into."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• hineinschieben einschieben↗ (to slide in)
• einfügen einschieben↗ (to insert)
• einlegen einschieben↗ (to put in)
• zwischenschieben einschieben↗ (to interpose)
• einklinken einschieben↗ (to click or slot into place)

Antonyms:

• herausziehen einschieben↗ (to pull out)
• entfernen einschieben↗ (to remove)
• herausnehmen einschieben↗ (to take out)