Einführung
/ˈaɪ̯nˌfyːʀʊŋ/
The English word "introduction" translates to German as Einführung.
Einführung refers to the introduction of a concept, a subject or a new product into a system or market (for example, an "introduction to biology"). It can also describe the act of bringing something new into use, such as the introduction of a new technology or currency. Note that if you are referring specifically to the social act of presenting one person to another, the word Vorstellung is more appropriate.
Meaning: means of presenting one person to another (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun is formed from the verb einführen, which means to introduce or to insert, combined with the suffix -ung, which turns a verb into a feminine noun.
Which one should you use?
While Einführung is used for the introduction of ideas, products or subjects, Vorstellung is the specific term used for the social process of introducing one person to another.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun, Einführung uses the article die in the nominative case. In the genitive case, the form changes to der Einführung.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯nˌfyːʀʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The noun Vorstellung can also translate to 'imagination' or 'idea'. If a German speaker says they have no Vorstellung, they mean they cannot imagine the situation or have no clue.
- While Einführung refers to introducing a topic, the social term Vorstellung also means a 'performance' or a 'screening' of a movie. This is because both concepts involve 'presenting' something to an audience.
- The verb einführen used in Einführung can also mean 'to import' goods into a country. This links the idea of introducing a new product to the literal act of bringing it across a border.
Examples in context
- Hiermit will ich die Einführung abschließen und nunmehr zum eigentlichen Thema kommen.Here I want to bring the introduction to a close and get to the real subject.This sentence shows how to use Einführung when concluding an introductory section of a speech.Tatoeba #2462788 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2799073 by AlanF_US
- Seit der Einführung von vollautomatischen Melksystemen ist das Leben einiger milchproduzierender Landwirte um vieles leichter geworden.The life of some dairy farmers has gotten a lot easier since the introduction of robots to milk the cows.This sentence uses Einführung to describe the introduction of a new technology.Tatoeba #4474365 by brauchinet, translation #4472878 by patgfisher
- Wir haben lang und breit über die Einführung des Euro gesprochen haben, aber wenig – oder, ehrlich gesagt: gar nicht – über das, was danach geschehen soll.We've talked at length about the introduction of the euro, but little, or, quite honestly, not at all about what happens afterwards.This sentence demonstrates the use of Einführung regarding the introduction of a new currency.Tatoeba #1307672 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12398030 by sundown
- Hallo, mein Name ist Julia. Ich komme aus Kanada und freue mich, dich kennenzulernen.Hello, my name is Julia. I'm from Canada and I'm pleased to meet you.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are at a networking event.
- JulianSarah, darf ich dir eine kurze Einführung geben?Sarah, may I give you a brief introduction?
- SarahJa, gerne. Wen möchtest du mir vorstellen?Yes, please. Who would you like to introduce to me?
- JulianDie Einführung zu meinem Chef ist sehr kurz.The introduction to my boss is very short.
- SarahDas ist kein Problem, ich freue mich darauf.That is no problem, I look forward to it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Einführung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
