to demand
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to demand
To insist that something to which one has a right, or that was promised, be given or fulfilled.
Das Unternehmen wird die ausstehende Zahlung nun gerichtlich einfordern.
The company will now demand the outstanding payment through the courts.
'Einfordern' (to demand) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Anwalt fordert das Geld für seinen Klienten ein.
The lawyer demands the money on behalf of his client.
When you name the person or institution from whom something is being demanded, you use the preposition 'von' with the dative.
Wir fordern von der Firma eine schnelle Lösung des Problems ein.
We are demanding a quick solution to the problem from the company.
The verb 'einfordern' (to demand) has a formal and official character. It is often used in legal, political, or business contexts and expresses that one has a claim or right to something.
Die Gewerkschaft fordert höhere Löhne von den Arbeitgebern ein.
The union is demanding higher wages from the employers.
In this meaning, 'einfordern' (to demand) is often combined with things to which one has a legal or contractual claim. Typical phrases are: 'eine Zahlung einfordern' (to demand a payment), 'Schulden einfordern' (to demand repayment of debts), or 'ein Recht einfordern' (to demand a right).
Wenn der Kunde nicht zahlt, müssen wir die Schulden gerichtlich einfordern.
If the customer does not pay, we have to demand repayment of the debt through the courts.
When it is about abstract things, 'einfordern' (to demand) is often used with moral or social claims. Common combinations are: 'Respekt einfordern' (to demand respect), 'eine Entschuldigung einfordern' (to demand an apology), or 'ein Versprechen einfordern' (to demand that a promise be kept).
Sie hat von ihrem Kollegen mehr Respekt eingefordert.
She demanded more respect from her colleague.
to demand / challenge
'fordern' and 'einfordern' both mean that you demand something emphatically. 'fordern' is more general: you can demand more money, better rules, or an explanation. 'einfordern' fits especially well when something has already been promised, someone has a right to it, or an obligation is supposed to be fulfilled. It often sounds as if you are claiming back something that is actually already owed. Learners confuse the words because both sound strong and direct. As a simple guide: 'fordern' is the general act of demanding, while 'einfordern' emphasizes an existing claim or a promise.
Nach der Arbeit hat sie die Rückzahlung des geliehenen Geldes eingefordert.
After work, she demanded repayment of the money she had lent.
Nach der Verspätung fordert er eine Erklärung vom Zugpersonal.
After the delay, he demands an explanation from the train staff.