Verb

ein|behalten

to withhold, to retain, to keep, to deduct

Der Arbeitgeber behält die Steuern vom Lohn ein.

The employer withholds the taxes from the salary.

Die Kaution wird bei Schäden einbehalten.

The security deposit will be retained in case of damages.

to withhold ((sth.)) The company will withhold your bonus.

zurückhalten (to hold back), abziehen (to deduct); Antonyms: auszahlen (to pay out)

Composed of 'ein-' (in) + 'behalten' (to keep). It literally means 'to keep in', as in holding something back.

Think of 'keeping' (behalten) money 'in' (ein) the company's hands, like withholding taxes.

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