01
einfahren
to enter
To drive or move into a specific, often enclosed area with a vehicle.
example
Der Zug fährt pünktlich in den Bahnhof ein.
The train enters the station on time.
einfahren
to enter / bring in / retract
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einfahren' (to enter / bring in / retract) is a separable verb with the prefix 'ein-'. In a main clause, 'ein' stands at the end, while in a subordinate clause and in the infinitive it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Der Busfahrer fährt vorsichtig in die Haltestelle ein.
The bus driver carefully pulls into the bus stop.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'einfahren' (to enter / bring in / retract) from the object: with places (station, harbor), it is about entering or driving in. With agricultural products (harvest, hay), it is about harvesting. With abstract results (profit, loss), it is about achieving or bringing in something.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff fährt in den Hafen ein.
The ship enters the harbor.
Use with places
In this meaning, 'einfahren' (to enter) is almost always used with the preposition 'in' and an accusative object that describes an enclosed or limited place.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gesehen, wie das Auto in die Garage eingefahren ist.
I saw the car enter the garage.
Typical collocations
In an economic or sports context, 'einfahren' (to bring in) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical phrases are: 'einen Gewinn einfahren' (to bring in a profit), 'einen Verlust einfahren' (to incur a loss), or 'einen Sieg einfahren' (to bring in a victory).
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft konnte am Wochenende einen wichtigen Sieg einfahren.
The team was able to bring in an important victory over the weekend.
Context: new technology
This meaning is specific to new vehicles or machines. It describes the initial, gentle phase of use so that the mechanical parts can get used to each other.
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer hat mir geraten, das neue Auto die ersten 1000 Kilometer vorsichtig einzufahren.
The salesperson advised me to break in the new car carefully for the first 1,000 kilometers.
Compare with
einfahren vs erzielen
to achieve
'erzielen' and 'einfahren' can both describe achieving a result. 'erzielen' is neutral and fits many results, successes, prices, or proceeds. 'einfahren' is more figurative and is used especially for profits, losses, or results in business and competition. It often sounds a bit more colloquial or journalistic. So you can say that a company 'einen Gewinn erzielt' or 'einen Gewinn einfährt' (achieves / brings in a profit). 'erzielen' is more general; 'einfahren' fits especially when the result is recorded like a profit or loss.
einfahren
Der kleine Laden fährt im Sommer deutlich höhere Gewinne ein.
The small shop brings in significantly higher profits in the summer.
erzielen
Beim Verkauf des alten Autos erzielt Clara einen guten Preis.
Clara gets a good price when selling the old car.
In real life
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