einzupacken

Einzupacken is a German verb meaning to pack something into a container, such as a bag, suitcase, or box, and also to wrap a gift. The verb is separable: in finite conjugations the prefix ein- moves to the end (Ich packe es ein; Wir packen die Kleidung ein). The past participle is eingepackt, used with haben (Ich habe es eingepackt). The infinitive with zu is often written as einzupacken, for example: Es ist wichtig, es einzupacken.

Usage and nuance: Einzupacken covers both practical packing for travel or storage and wrapping items for presentation or protection, such as ein Geschenk einpacken (to wrap a gift) or Gegenstände sicher einzupacken for shipment. It is commonly contrasted with verpacken, which more broadly means to package or wrap for shipping or sale, and with einwickeln, which emphasizes wrapping with paper or fabric.

Grammatical notes: As a separable verb, einpacken forms combinations like packe ein, packen ein, or hat eingepackt depending on tense and mood. The noun form Einpacken refers to the act of packing. Related phrases include mehr Gegenstände einpacken (to pack more items) and etwas in einen Koffer einpacken (to pack something into a suitcase).

Etymology: The prefix ein- indicates placement into something, combined with the verb packen (to pack). The construction is typical of many German separable-prefix verbs and mirrors related terms like zusammensetzen or wiederverpacken.

See also: verpacken, einwickeln, zusammenpacken, Gepäck, Geschenkverpackung.

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