German Phrase
Dann steck es wieder ein.
Meaning
‘Then plug it back in.’ The speaker tells the listener to insert a previously removed item (a plug, a USB stick, etc.) again.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to give a short, informal instruction to re‑connect something after it has been unplugged or taken out. It works in everyday situations like charging a phone, connecting a laptop, or putting a game cartridge back into a console.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dannsteckeswiederein
Dann (adverb)
‘Dann’ means ‘then’ or ‘after that’ and is used to sequence actions.
steck (imperative)
‘steck’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘stecken’ (to insert/plug).
es (personal pronoun)
‘es’ refers to a neuter object (e.g., a plug, a USB‑stick).
wieder (adverb)
‘wieder’ means ‘again’, indicating the action is repeated.
ein (separable prefix)
‘ein’ is the separable prefix of ‘einstecken’. In main clauses it moves to the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Der Stecker ist raus, das Handy lädt nicht mehr.
The plug is out, the phone isn’t charging anymore.
Dann steck es wieder ein.
Then plug it back in.
✕Common Mistakes
Dann stecke es wieder ein.
The imperative of ‘stecken’ is ‘steck’, not ‘stecke’. Adding ‘-e’ is the ‘du’ present‑tense form, not the command.
Dann ein steck es wieder.
The separable prefix must go to the end of the clause, not before the verb.
↔Alternatives
Dann steck ihn wieder ein.
Then plug it back in (referring to a masculine object).
Dann schließe es wieder an.
Then connect it again.
Dann setz es wieder ein.
Then insert it again.
Cultural Tip
German separable verbs like ‘einstecken’ split in main clauses: the prefix ‘ein’ moves to the end. In the imperative you drop the ‘-e’ ending that appears in the ‘du’ form (e.g., ‘du steckst’ → ‘steck!’). For a more polite request you would use the formal ‘Sie’ form: ‘Stecken Sie es bitte wieder ein.’