der  Einwurf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪnˌvʊʁf/

🎯 What does "der Einwurf" mean?

The German word der Einwurf has several meanings:

• In sports (especially football/soccer, handball, basketball): The act of returning the ball into play from the sideline after it has gone out of bounds. It's commonly known as a throw-in. ⚽
• Opening/Slot: An opening, typically narrow, through which something is inserted or 'thrown in', e.g., letters into a mailbox (Briefkasten) or coins into a machine (Automat). 📬🪙
• Verbal Utterance: A brief remark, objection, or interjection made during a discussion or conversation. 🗣️

🚨 Although all meanings relate to the verb "einwerfen" (to throw in), the contexts are quite different.

📚 Grammar of "der Einwurf" in Detail

Der Einwurf is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences 📝

1. Der Schiedsrichter entschied auf Einwurf für die Heimmannschaft.
   (The referee ruled a throw-in for the home team.)
2. Bitte werfen Sie den Brief nur in den dafür vorgesehenen Einwurf.
   (Please put the letter only into the designated slot.)
3. Der Einwurf am Parkautomaten klemmt schon wieder.
   (The coin slot on the parking meter is jammed again.)
4. Sein kurzer Einwurf brachte die Diskussion auf einen wichtigen Punkt.
   (His brief interjection brought the discussion to an important point.)
5. Er erlaubte sich einen kritischen Einwurf zur Planung.
   (He allowed himself a critical remark regarding the planning.)

🤔 When to use "der Einwurf"?

The usage of der Einwurf heavily depends on the context:

• Sports Context: When discussing football (soccer), handball, or basketball, "der Einwurf" almost always refers to the throw-in from the sideline.
• Everyday Context (Opening/Slot): Here, "der Einwurf" refers to physical slots or openings, e.g., on a mailbox (Briefeinwurf), machines (Münzeinwurf - coin slot), or recycling containers (Glasseinwurf - glass bottle deposit opening).
• Discussion/Conversation Context: In debates, meetings, or conversations, an "Einwurf" is a (often brief) verbal intervention, remark, or objection. It can be neutral, critical, or supportive, but often briefly interrupts the flow of speech. Similar German words are "Zwischenruf" (often louder, more disruptive) or "Einwand" (usually a counter-argument).

⚠️ Pay attention to the context to understand the intended meaning and avoid misunderstandings.

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids for "Einwurf"

For the article der:

• Imagine the (male) referee (der Schiedsrichter) signaling for der Einwurf. 👨‍⚖️➡️ der Einwurf.
• Think of inserting something into a machine; maybe der Automat has der Einwurf. 🤖➡️ der Einwurf.

For the meanings:

Remember the verb "einwerfen" means "to throw in". So, der Einwurf is the result of throwing something in:

• Throwing the ball into the field (sports).
• Throwing the letter into the slot (opening).
• Throwing your words into the discussion (remark).

One throw-in -> Einwurf.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Einwurf"

Similar but different words

• der Wurf: The general act of throwing. Der Einwurf is a specific type of throw.
• der Entwurf: A draft, sketch, or initial version (e.g., Textentwurf - text draft). Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum machen Fußballspieler beim Einwurf immer so ein ernstes Gesicht?

Damit der Ball auch wirklich merkt, dass er jetzt wieder ins Spiel muss! 😉

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Translation:

Why do soccer players always make such a serious face during a throw-in?

So that the ball really notices it has to get back into the game now! 😉

✒️ Poem about "der Einwurf"

Der Ball fliegt raus, das Spiel steht still,
ein Pfiff ertönt, ganz laut und schrill.
Ein Spieler greift, mit Kraft und Mut,
zum Einwurf an der Seitenflut.

Ein Brief im Schlitz, er gleitet sacht,
durch Einwurf schnell ans Ziel gebracht.
Im Meeting dann, ein kurzer Satz,
ein kluger Einwurf findet Platz.

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Translation:

The ball flies out, the game stands still,
A whistle sounds, loud and shrill.
A player grabs, with strength and might,
For the throw-in at the sideline's light.

A letter in the slot, it slides gently,
Through the mail slot, swiftly sent.
In the meeting then, a short phrase,
A clever interjection finds its place.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Start im Spiel nach Seitenaus,
Ich bin ein Schlitz an manchem Haus.
Ich bin ein Wort in hitz'ger Debatte.
Was bin ich wohl? Na, nun errate!

Lösung: Der Einwurf

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Translation:

I am a start in the game after the sideline,
I am a slot on many a house's design.
I am a word in a heated debate.
What am I? Come on, estimate!

Solution: Der Einwurf (The throw-in / slot / interjection)

🧩 More Information

Word Origin

Der Einwurf is a noun derived from the verb einwerfen (to throw in). It describes the result or the act of throwing something in.

ein- (prefix meaning 'in' or 'into') + werfen (verb 'to throw') + -Ø (zero suffix for noun formation, common with strong verbs) → Einwurf.

Cultural Notes

In German culture, a well-placed verbal "Einwurf" in a discussion can be seen as a sign of attention and critical thinking, as long as it remains respectful. It's often less confrontational than a direct "Einwand" (objection).