Before you start
Meet einsteigen
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
ein- + steigen
- ein-
- inward, into an enclosed space or vehicle
- steigen
- to step or climb
You step into a vehicle, climbing aboard.
So einsteigen means to get in; to board.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on steigen
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: ein·steigen
In a main clause the prefix ein splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseSie steigt jetzt ins Auto ein.She is getting into the car now.
Subordinate clauseIch warte, weil sie ins Auto einsteigt.I’m waiting because she is getting into the car.
Participle: eingestiegenzu-infinitive: einzusteigen
Forms
How einsteigen changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | steige ein | stieg ein |
| du | steigst ein | stiegst ein |
| er/sie/es | steigt ein | stieg ein |
| wir | steigen ein | stiegen ein |
| ihr | steigt ein | stiegt ein |
| Sie | steigen ein | stiegen ein |
Partizip II eingestiegen · Perfekt with sein
Three examples
- 1Ich steige hier in den Bus ein.I get on the bus here.prefix goes to the end
- 2Wir sind am Bahnhof in den Zug eingestiegen.We got on the train at the station.Perfekt with sein
- 3Du musst vorne einsteigen.You have to get in at the front.infinitive with modal verb
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
einsteigen + der Bus
Your challenge
- 1Use einsteigen in the present tense.
- 2Use der Bus as the subject.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
We got on the busder Bus latespät.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When she got into the cardas Auto, I was already waitingwarten.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He got on the trainder Zug because it was rainingregnen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The busder Bus that we got on was fullvoll.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You must get into the cardas Auto nowjetzt.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She triedversuchen to get on the busder Bus without helpdie Hilfe.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Could you get into the taxidas Taxi with me?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
einsteigen + der Zug + obwohl
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Say that the train was already full.
- 3Use einsteigen in the simple past.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
Where do you often get on a bus, train, or other vehicle? Answer in one German sentence using *einsteigen*.
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence using einsteigen.
- 2Say where or when you get on.