to introduce / import
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to introduce
To make something new (e.g. a law, product, or rule) known in a system or group and put it into use.
Die Firma wird nächstes Jahr ein neues Bezahlsystem einführen.
The company will introduce a new payment system next year.
to import
To bring goods or products from another country into one's own country in order to sell or use them there.
Deutschland muss große Mengen an Erdgas einführen.
Germany has to import large quantities of natural gas.
to introduce someone to
To explain a new topic, a new task, or a new group of people to someone and familiarize them with it.
Die erfahrene Kollegin wird den neuen Mitarbeiter in seine Aufgaben einführen.
The experienced colleague will introduce the new employee to his tasks.
to insert
To put or slide something into an opening or hollow space.
Man muss die Karte vorsichtig in den Schlitz des Automaten einführen.
You have to carefully insert the card into the slot of the machine.
to make a good start
To integrate well at a new beginning, e.g. in a new job or team, and leave a positive first impression.
Der neue Spieler hat sich mit zwei Toren im ersten Spiel hervorragend eingeführt.
The new player made an excellent start with two goals in his first game.
'Einführen' (to introduce/import/insert) 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.
Die Firma führt bald neue Arbeitszeiten ein.
The company is introducing new working hours soon.
The verb is made up of 'ein-' (in/into) and 'führen' (to lead/guide). This logic of 'guiding in' helps you understand the different meanings: you guide a product into the market, goods into the country, or a person into a topic.
Der Mentor führt den neuen Mitarbeiter in die Firmenkultur ein.
The mentor introduces the new employee to the company culture.
In this meaning, 'einführen' (to introduce) is often combined with abstract concepts. Typical objects are: a law, a rule, a system, an innovation, or a brand.
Die Regierung plant, eine neue Steuer einzuführen.
The government is planning to introduce a new tax.
The meaning 'importieren' (to import) is mainly used in the context of business and trade. It is about bringing goods across a national border.
Viele technische Geräte werden aus Asien eingeführt.
Many technical devices are imported from Asia.
When you familiarize a person with a topic, the fixed structure is: 'jemanden (Akkusativ) in etwas (Akkusativ) einführen' (to introduce someone to something).
Kannst du mich bitte in die neue Software einführen?
Could you please introduce me to the new software?
In the expression 'sich einführen' (to make a start/establish oneself), the verb is used reflexively. It means positioning yourself in a new environment or group and making a first impression.
Er hat sich bei der neuen Familie sofort gut eingeführt.
He immediately made a good start with the new family.
to imagine / introduce
Vorstellen and einführen can both refer to a new product or system. Here, vorstellen means making it known or presenting it; einführen emphasizes that it is then put into use within a system or group. Use vorstellen for merely announcing it, and einführen for starting its use.
Die Firma führt das neue Kassensystem ab Montag in allen Filialen ein.
Starting Monday, the company is introducing the new checkout system in all its branches.
Die Firma stellt das neue Kassensystem heute den Mitarbeitern vor.
The company is introducing the new checkout system to its employees today.
