Eingeworfen

Eingeworfen is the past participle of the German verb einwerfen. It is used to describe something that has been inserted, deposited, or thrown into something else. In everyday language it can function as part of the perfect tense with haben, or as an attributive or predicative adjective.

Etymology and formation: The word is formed from the prefix ein- meaning into, combined with werfen meaning to throw. The resulting sense covers inserting an object into a slot, container, or space, as well as figurative inserting of a remark or idea.

Common uses:

- Inanimate objects and machines: coins, cards, or notes that are deposited into a device. For example, “Ich habe eine Münze eingeworfen” or “Der Geldschein wurde eingeworfen.” In vending machines, parking meters, or cash registers, the term is frequently used to describe the action completed.

- Sports and games: when the ball is put back into play by a throw, e.g., in soccer or handball, “Der Ball wurde eingeworfen.” The related noun is Einwurf.

- Mail and deposits: a letter or item dropped into a mailbox or drop slot can be described as eingeworfen, as in “Den Brief habe ich eingeworfen.”

- Figurative usage: a remark or suggestion can be described as eingeworfen, meaning it has been inserted into a discussion, for example “eine eingeworfene Anmerkung.”

Grammatical notes: The participle is regularly used with haben in the perfect tense (Ich habe die Münze eingeworfen) and can appear in passive constructions (Der Ball wurde eingeworfen). Related terms include Einwurf (noun) and Einwerfen (process or act).