Einklopfen

Einklopfen is a German verb meaning to drive or hammer something into a material by tapping with a hammer or similar tool, so that the object sits securely. The action is used for fasteners and components that are inserted by tapping, such as nails, pins, or wooden dowels. It is common in carpentry, woodworking, and light metalwork, where a precise, flush fit is required and the object should not be driven completely through the material.

Typical usage involves sentences like: "Ich klopfe den Nagel in die Wand ein." or "Der Dübel muss eingeklopft werden." The verb is separable: in the present tense you say "ich klopfe ... ein," and in the perfect tense the form is "eingeklopft" (Ich habe den Nagel eingeklopft).

Etymology and form: einklopfen is formed from ein- (in) and klopfen (to knock). As a separable-prefix verb, it follows the pattern of other Klopfen-verbs where the prefix is moved to the end in main clauses.

Relation to similar terms: in many contexts, einschlagen is used as a broader or more forceful alternative for driving fasteners into materials, especially when the intent is to drive something completely through or firmly into place. Einklopfen emphasizes the act of seating an object by tapping rather than a decisive full-driving action.

Notes on usage: the term is primarily technical and descriptive, appearing in manuals, instructions, and discussions of assembly, furniture making, and related trades.