German word

stecken

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɛkən/

Meaning

  • verbput in

Example

Er steckt den Stecker in die Steckdose.

He puts the plug into the socket.

Illustration for stecken (put in)

More examples

Sie steckt den Brief in den Umschlag.

She puts the letter in the envelope.

Core concept

A plug, tool, or other object is pushed into a fitting space, where it may stay firmly held.

Common phrases

  • den Schlüssel ins Schloss stecken

    put the key in the lock

  • etwas in die Tasche stecken

    put something in the bag

  • eine Karte in den Automaten stecken

    insert a card into the machine

Similar words

ausstecken: Remove a plug from a socket to disconnect the electrical supply.
einstecken: Push a plug or small item into an opening to secure it or establish power.
stecken bleiben: Stay lodged in a place without being able to get free.
einlegen: Insert a thin object or storage medium into the space intended for it.

Definition in German

etwas in etwas hineinführen; kann auch den Zustand ‚feststecken‘ bezeichnen

Word origin

The verb continues an old Germanic root found in related words such as English stick, with meanings connected to insertion and attachment.

Usage tips

  • For an existing position, stecken takes in plus the dative, as in Der Stecker steckt in der Steckdose.

Other meanings

  • insertverb

Opposites

  • herausziehenpull outverb
  • entnehmentake outverb

Related words

Word lists with this word