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import
The process of bringing goods or services from abroad into one's own country; importation.
Die Einfuhr von exotischen Früchten unterliegt strengen Kontrollen.
The import of exotic fruits is subject to strict controls.
'Die Einfuhr' (the import/importation) is the noun corresponding to the separable verb 'einführen' (to import/introduce). The verb means to bring something into a country or into a system. The prefix 'ein-' signals movement inward.
Deutschland führt viele Autos ein.
Germany imports many cars.
When talking about the process of importation, the prepositions 'von' (of/for the goods) and 'aus' (from/for the country of origin) are often used. The structure is: 'die Einfuhr von [Ware] aus [Land]' (the import of [goods] from [country]).
Die Einfuhr von Käse aus der Schweiz ist streng geregelt.
The import of cheese from Switzerland is strictly regulated.
The word is almost always used in an economic or legal context. Typical verbs are 'die Einfuhr genehmigen' (to approve the import), 'beschränken' (to restrict it), 'verbieten' (to prohibit it), or 'besteuern' (to tax it).
Die Regierung hat die Einfuhr bestimmter Produkte beschränkt.
The government has restricted the import of certain products.
While 'die Einfuhr' (singular: the import/importation) usually refers to the process, the plural 'die Einfuhren' (imports) almost always means the imported goods themselves.
Die Einfuhren des Landes sind im letzten Jahr gestiegen.
The country's imports rose last year.
export
'der Export' and 'die Einfuhr' both belong to trade between countries. The difference is the direction: with export, goods or services go from one's own country abroad. With import, goods or services come from abroad into one's own country. The words can be confused because both often appear in business, customs, and trade contexts. A simple way to remember it is: export means outward, 'Einfuhr' means inward.
Die Einfuhr von Obst aus Italien wird am Hafen kontrolliert.
The import of fruit from Italy is inspected at the port.
Der Export von Maschinen nach Spanien ist in diesem Jahr gestiegen.
The export of machinery to Spain has increased this year.