Inspringen

Inspringen is a Dutch verb meaning to temporarily take over a role or function from someone else, often to cover for an absence, illness, or a temporary gap. The word comes from in- plus springen, literally “to jump in.”

In employment and organizations, inspringen describes the act of stepping in for a colleague who cannot perform their duties. A temporary fill-in employee may be called an inspringer or invalkracht. The situation is understood to be temporary, with the person’s regular responsibilities later resumed or reassigned.

In sports, inspringen refers to a player entering a game as a substitute. While the more common term for substitutions in many contexts is invallen, inspringen can also be used to describe a player who comes off the bench to participate in the match.

In media and performing arts, inspringen is used when a performer, presenter, or musician steps in for another artist who is unavailable or ill. Such arrangements may occur on short notice and are often essential to keep a production or broadcast on schedule.

In education, inspringen can describe a teacher or lecturer who covers for a colleague for a day or a limited period. This usage emphasizes the temporary nature of the arrangement and the continuity of teaching or instruction.

Overall, inspringen conveys a practical, temporary substitution across contexts. The term highlights the act of quickly joining in to maintain functions, events, or performances when a regular contributor is absent.