einsteigen
/ˈʔaɪ̯nʃtaɪ̯ɡŋ̩/
To get on (a vehicle) in German is einsteigen.
einsteigen is used when you are entering a vehicle such as a train or a bus. To say you are getting on a specific vehicle, you use the preposition in followed by the accusative case, such as in the phrase in den Zug einsteigen (to get on the train).
Meaning: to enter (a vehicle) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb is a separable prefix verb. It is composed of the prefix ein (in/into) and the verb steigen (to climb/step/ascend), literally meaning "to step in".
Which one should you use?
The direct antonym of einsteigen is aussteigen, which means to exit or get off a vehicle.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because it is a separable verb, the prefix ein moves to the end of the clause in a simple main clause. Additionally, when used with a vehicle, you must use the preposition in with the accusative case to indicate the movement into the vehicle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔaɪ̯nʃtaɪ̯ɡŋ̩/
Did you know?
- In a financial context, einsteigen is used as slang for investing in a stock or starting a business venture. It literally means you are 'getting on board' with a financial opportunity.
- If you are getting on a bicycle or a horse rather than a vehicle with an interior, you would not use einsteigen, but instead use aufsteigen.
- The root verb steigen is a cognate of the English word 'stair'. Both words derive from an ancient root meaning to climb or ascend.
Examples in context
- Noch nicht in den Zug einsteigen!Don't get on the train yet.This sentence uses einsteigen to warn someone not to enter the train yet.Tatoeba #2393765 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2254138 by _undertoad
- Willst du nicht in den Bus einsteigen?Aren't you going to get on the bus?This sentence uses einsteigen to ask if someone wants to get on the bus.Tatoeba #12635413 by Waldelfe, translation #9859285 by CK
- Ich habe Tom in den Zug einsteigen sehen.I saw Tom get on the train.This sentence uses einsteigen to describe seeing someone get on the train.Tatoeba #5265957 by brauchinet, translation #5265826 by CK
- Bitte steigen Sie in den Zug ein.Please get on the train.
- Er ist in den Bus eingestiegen.He got on the bus.
- Der Fahrgast hat den Bus betreten.The passenger got on the bus.
- Komm schon, steig in den Zug ein!Come on, get on the train!
- Ich bin in den Bus eingestiegen.I got on the bus.
- Ich muss auf mein Fahrrad aufsteigen.I have to get on my bicycle.
- Er ist gerade auf das Motorrad aufgestiegen.He just got on the motorcycle.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Laura are standing at a train station platform.
- LukasLaura, wir müssen schnell in den Zug einsteigen.Laura, we need to get on the train quickly.
- LauraIch sehe ihn schon, er fährt gleich ein.I see it already, it is pulling in soon.
- LukasKomm, wir steigen jetzt ein.Come, let's get on now.
- LauraMoment, ich nehme noch meine Tasche.Wait, I am grabbing my bag.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry einsteigen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries einsteigen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
