German Phrase
Die Firma stockt deinen 401(k) auf.
Meaning
The sentence tells that the employer adds money to your 401(k) retirement account, i.e., it matches your contributions. It uses the financial verb "aufstocken" to convey a top‑up or matching contribution.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing employee benefits, retirement savings, or when a colleague asks how the company supports their 401(k). It’s common in HR meetings, financial planning talks, or casual office conversation about benefits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieFirmastocktdeinen401(k)auf
Definite article & noun gender
"Die" is the nominative feminine article matching "Firma" (die Firma).
Separable verb "aufstocken"
In the present tense, the prefix "auf" moves to the end: "stockt ... auf".
Accusative case for direct object
"deinen" is the masculine accusative form of "dein" because "401(k)" is treated as a masculine noun (der 401(k)).
Numbers & symbols
Numbers and symbols (401(k)) stay unchanged in German; they are treated as a noun.
🗨In Conversation
Wie sieht es mit der betrieblichen Altersvorsorge aus?
What does the company offer for retirement savings?
Die Firma stockt deinen 401(k) auf.
The company matches your 401(k).
✕Common Mistakes
Die Firma stockt dein 401(k) auf.
The object is accusative; you need the masculine accusative form "deinen".
Die Firma aufstockt deinen 401(k).
The verb "aufstocken" is separable; the prefix must go to the end in main clause.
Der Firma stockt deinen 401(k) auf.
If you use a different case (e.g., dative), the article must change accordingly.
↔Alternatives
Die Firma gleicht deine 401(k)-Beiträge aus.
The company equalizes your 401(k) contributions.
Dein Arbeitgeber zahlt zu deinem 401(k) dazu.
Your employer adds to your 401(k).
Die Firma leistet einen Beitrag zu deinem 401(k).
The company makes a contribution to your 401(k).
Cultural Tip
In the United States, a 401(k) is a common employer‑sponsored retirement plan. German speakers often refer to a similar concept as "betriebliche Altersvorsorge" or "Firmenrente." When using the term 401(k) in German, keep the English abbreviation unchanged, but you may need to explain it to listeners unfamiliar with the US system.