ein|springen
Translation
to step in, to fill in, to stand in for someone
Examples
Kannst du morgen für mich einspringen?
Can you fill in for me tomorrow?
Ein Kollege ist krank, also muss ich einspringen.
A colleague is sick, so I have to step in.
Grammar Patterns
((für+4)) to fill in for sb. Can you fill in for me?
((bei+3)) to step in at sth. He had to step in at the meeting.
Similar Words
vertreten (to represent/substitute), aushelfen (to help out)
Etymology
From 'ein-' (in, into) and 'springen' (to jump). Literally 'to jump in'. This evolved to mean jumping into a role to help.
Memory Tips
Visualize someone literally 'jumping in' to take over a task for a colleague who is absent.