reinpassen
fit
In etwas hineingehen können, weil genug Platz da ist, oder gut zu einer Gruppe oder Situation passen.
Definition & meaning
The German verb reinpassen primarily means "to fit in" or "to fit into." It is used in two main contexts:
- Physical space: It describes when an object has the appropriate size or shape to be placed inside something else. For example, a key fitting into a lock or a piece of furniture fitting into a small room.
- Social or conceptual context: It describes when a person, an idea, or an item is suitable for a specific group, environment, or situation. For example, a new colleague who integrates well into a team "passt rein" (fits in).
The word is frequently used in everyday spoken German and is slightly more informal than the more formal version hineinpassen.
Grammar & Word origin
Reinpassen is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a main clause, the prefix "rein-" moves to the end of the sentence (e.g., "Es passt nicht rein").
The word is a combination of two parts:
- rein-: A colloquial shortening of the prefix hinein, which indicates direction into a space.
- passen: A verb meaning "to fit," "to suit," or "to be convenient."
In the past tense, it forms as "passte rein" (simple past) and "reingepasst" (past participle) with the auxiliary verb haben.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- hineinpassen: The standard or more formal version of the word.
- passen: To fit or suit in a general sense.
- dazugehören: To belong to or be part of something.
- harmonieren: To harmonize or go well with something else.
- einfügen: To insert or integrate oneself into a structure.
Antonyms
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Examples
Der Tisch passt nicht ins Auto rein.verb
The table doesn't fit into the car.
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