01
einberufen
to call up
To officially require someone to do military service or conscription service.
example
Er wurde mit 18 Jahren zur Armee einberufen.
He was called up to the army at the age of 18.
einberufen
to call up / to convene
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einberufen' (to call up / to convene) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end of the sentence in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der General beruft die Soldaten ein.
The general calls up the soldiers.
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ein-' and the verb 'berufen' (to appoint / to call). 'Berufen' means 'to call someone to an office or function.' The prefix 'ein-' strengthens the idea of bringing someone into a group or service.
EXAMPLE
Sie wurde in den Aufsichtsrat berufen.
She was appointed to the supervisory board.
Register
The word 'einberufen' (to call up / to convene) belongs to formal official and administrative language. It is used in official contexts such as the military or company management.
EXAMPLE
Die Hauptversammlung wird für den 15. Mai einberufen.
The general meeting will be convened for May 15.
Often in the passive
In the meaning 'to require someone to do military service,' 'einberufen' is very often used in the passive. The focus is on the person to whom the action happens.
EXAMPLE
Alle jungen Männer des Landes wurden zum Wehrdienst einberufen.
All young men in the country were called up for military service.
Typical collocations
When referring to meetings, 'einberufen' is typically combined with nouns such as 'eine Sitzung' (a meeting), 'eine Konferenz' (a conference), 'ein Komitee' (a committee), or 'eine Versammlung' (an assembly).
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin hat kurzfristig eine Teamsitzung einberufen.
The boss convened a team meeting at short notice.
Compare with
einberufen vs verpflichten
to oblige / commit
'verpflichten' and 'einberufen' can both express that someone officially has to perform a service or duty. 'verpflichten' is more general: it can happen through a law, contract, or rule and can apply to many tasks. 'einberufen' is much more specific when it refers to military service or conscription. In this sense, 'einberufen' means that someone is officially called up for the military. If it is not about the military, 'verpflichten' is usually the better fit.
einberufen
Der junge Mann wurde nach der Musterung zum Wehrdienst einberufen.
The young man was called up for military service after the medical examination.
verpflichten
Der Vertrag verpflichtet die Firma, die Arbeit bis Freitag zu erledigen.
The contract obliges the company to complete the work by Friday.
In real life
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