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der Eingang
entrance
An area through which one can enter a building, room, or site.
example
Der Eingang des Museums befindet sich auf der rechten Seite.
The entrance to the museum is on the right-hand side.
der Eingang
entrance / receipt
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Eingang' (entrance / receipt) is made up of the prefix 'ein-' and the noun 'Gang' (from 'gehen' (to go)). So it literally describes a 'way in' to a building or area.
EXAMPLE
Bitte benutzen Sie den Eingang auf der Rückseite des Gebäudes.
Please use the entrance at the back of the building.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Eingang' (entrance / receipt) from the context. If it is about a place (house, museum), it means access or entrance. If it is about mail or data (letter, email, payment), it means arrival or receipt. With works (book, music), it means the beginning.
EXAMPLE
Der Eingang zum Park ist bis 20 Uhr geöffnet.
The entrance to the park is open until 8 p.m.
Place and direction
To describe a location, use 'am Eingang' (at the entrance). To express movement toward it, say 'zum Eingang' (to the entrance).
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns in zehn Minuten am Haupteingang.
We'll meet in ten minutes at the main entrance.
Register
In the meaning 'Eintreffen' (arrival/receipt), 'Eingang' (receipt) is used mainly in formal written language, in the office, or in business correspondence.
EXAMPLE
Nach Eingang der Zahlung versenden wir die Ware umgehend.
After receipt of payment, we will ship the goods immediately.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'den Eingang bestätigen' (to confirm receipt), 'nach Eingang' (after receipt), and 'bei Eingang' (upon receipt). A very common compound is 'der Posteingang' (inbox).
EXAMPLE
Bitte bestätigen Sie den Eingang dieser E-Mail kurz.
Please briefly confirm receipt of this email.
Compare with
Eingang vs Anfang
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'der Eingang' can both have to do with the first part of something. However, 'der Anfang' is the normal word for the beginning of a period of time, a text, a path, or a story. 'der Eingang' usually means the place through which you enter a building or room. Only with texts, music, or speeches can 'der Eingang' also mean the beginning; this sounds rather formal or technical. Learners may confuse the words because an entrance is often spatially at the beginning of a place. In practice: for a beginning, you usually say 'Anfang'; for a door or access point, 'Eingang'.
Eingang
Meine Kollegin wartet am Eingang, weil sie die Tür nicht findet.
My colleague is waiting at the entrance because she cannot find the door.
Anfang
Den Anfang des Films habe ich leider verpasst.
Unfortunately, I missed the beginning of the film.
In real life
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