German Phrase
Steck deine Karte ein.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to insert their card into a slot – for example at an ATM, a ticket machine, or a card reader. The tone is informal because it uses the du‑form.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are speaking to a friend, a fellow passenger, or any person you address with “du”. It is common in public transport stations, banks, or any place where a card must be inserted to proceed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SteckdeineKarteein
Imperativ (du‑Form)
For a regular verb the du‑imperative is the verb stem plus an optional -e. Here the stem of stecken is Steck, so both “Steck” and “Stecke” are correct.
Trennbares Verb
Einstecken is a separable verb. In the main clause the prefix “ein” moves to the end of the sentence, which is why it appears after the object.
Possessivpronomen
“deine” is the feminine accusative form of “dein” because Karte is a feminine noun (die Karte).
Nomen‑Geschlecht
Karte is feminine (die Karte). In the accusative case the article would be “die”, but with a possessive it becomes “deine”.
🗨In Conversation
Steck deine Karte ein.
Insert your card.
Okay, ich habe sie eingesteckt.
Okay, I’ve inserted it.
✕Common Mistakes
Stecke deine Karte ein.
Both “Steck” and “Stecke” are acceptable; learners often think the -e is mandatory, but the shorter “Steck” is equally correct in everyday speech.
Steck Sie Ihre Karte ein.
Using the formal “Sie” form with “Steck” is wrong; you must say “Stecken Sie Ihre Karte ein.”
Steck deine Karte rein.
“rein” is colloquial and regionally limited; it’s understandable but not the standard phrasing taught in formal German.
↔Alternatives
Einstecke deine Karte.
Insert your card.
Führe deine Karte ein.
Enter your card.
Lege deine Karte ein.
Place your card in.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the phrase is heard at ticket machines for trains, buses, and trams, as well as at ATMs. Because it uses the informal “du”, it’s best reserved for situations where you already have a familiar relationship with the listener. In a formal setting (e.g., a bank clerk) you would say “Stecken Sie Ihre Karte ein.”