ein|springen
Translation
to step in, to fill in, to substitute
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 substitute), aushelfen (to help out)
Etymology
Composed of 'ein-' (in, into) + 'springen' (to jump). The literal meaning is 'to jump in', which is used figuratively for filling a role.
Memory Tips
Think of 'jumping in' to a situation to help out, just like you'd 'step in' in English.