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verb

zustecken

slip

Definition & meaning

The verb zustecken has two primary meanings in German:

  1. To slip someone something (secretly): This is the most common usage. It refers to the act of handing something to another person in a discreet, quiet, or secret manner so that others do not notice. It is frequently used in the context of giving money (like a tip or a small bribe) or a secret note. For example, a grandmother might secretly slip some money into her grandchild's pocket.
  2. To pin or fasten: In a more literal and physical sense, it means to attach or fasten something using a pin, needle, or similar object. For instance, pinning a flower to a dress or securing a piece of fabric while sewing.

Grammar & Word origin

zustecken is a separable verb (trennbares Verb). In a sentence, the prefix zu- moves to the end of the clause in the present and simple past tenses (e.g., Ich stecke ihm das Geld zu).

  • Present tense: ich stecke zu, du steckst zu, er/sie/es steckt zu
  • Past tense: ich steckte zu
  • Perfect tense: habe zugesteckt

The verb follows the dative + accusative structure: you slip something (accusative) to someone (dative).

The word is a compound of the prefix zu- (implying a direction towards something or closing) and the verb stecken (to stick, put, or place).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms for "slipping something secretly":

  • geben (to give - more general)
  • zuschieben (to push towards someone)
  • verabreichen (to administer/give, though often used for medicine)
  • heimlich geben (to give secretly)

Synonyms for "pinning/fastening":

  • anstecken (to pin on/attach)
  • befestigen (to fasten/fix)
  • feststecken (to pin down)

Antonyms:

  • wegnehmen (to take away)
  • entziehen (to withdraw/take away)
  • abnehmen (to take off/remove, in the context of pinning)

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Examples

Er steckt mir heimlich einen Zettel zu.verb

He secretly slips me a note.

Meine Oma hat mir etwas Geld zugesteckt.verb

My grandma slipped me some money.

Zum Abschied steckte sie ihm ihre Telefonnummer zu.verb

As they said goodbye, she slipped him her phone number.

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