01
einfassen
to frame / set
To surround something with a border, edge, or frame in order to stabilize, protect, or decorate it.
example
Der Juwelier wird den Diamanten in Platin einfassen.
The jeweler will set the diamond in platinum.
einfassen
to frame / set
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Meanings
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einfassen' (to frame / set) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in a main clause. In a subordinate clause, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Gärtner fasst das Beet mit Steinen ein.
The gardener frames the flower bed with stones.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'ein-' and 'fassen' (to hold, to grasp). The literal idea is to 'hold' something into a frame or boundary and thus fix it in place.
EXAMPLE
Sie wollte den Spiegel mit einem Holzrahmen einfassen lassen.
She wanted to have the mirror framed with a wooden frame.
Use with prepositions
To name the material of the frame or border, the prepositions 'in' (with dative) or 'mit' are used. The construction is: etwas (accusative) in/mit etwas (dative) einfassen.
EXAMPLE
Der Ring war mit kleinen Diamanten eingefasst.
The ring was set with small diamonds.
Compare with
einfassen vs begrenzen
to limit / border
'begrenzen' and 'einfassen' can both have to do with an edge or border around something. 'begrenzen' says where something ends or what area it has. The border can be natural, for example a river, or artificial, for example a fence. 'einfassen' means to surround something with a border, frame, or edge, often for protection, stability, or decoration. Learners may confuse the words because both express a kind of boundary. 'begrenzen' describes more the function of the boundary, while 'einfassen' is more about surrounding something with a visible edge or border.
einfassen
Lena fasst das Blumenbeet mit kleinen Steinen ein.
Lena borders the flower bed with small stones.
begrenzen
Eine niedrige Mauer begrenzt den Garten zur Straße hin.
A low wall borders the garden on the street side.
In real life
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