to catch up / obtain
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to catch up
To reach someone or something that has a lead. This can refer to physical movement or also to making up a deficit in work or knowledge.
Obwohl er später gestartet ist, konnte er die anderen Läufer schnell einholen.
Although he started later, he was able to catch up with the other runners quickly.
to obtain
To get something, usually information, permission, or an opinion.
Bevor wir die Entscheidung treffen, müssen wir noch den Rat eines Experten einholen.
Before we make the decision, we still need to obtain the advice of an expert.
to haul in
To pull or bring in something that was outside, for example a flag or a ship's sails.
Der Kapitän befahl, bei Sonnenuntergang die Flagge einzuholen.
The captain ordered the flag to be hauled in at sunset.
'Einholen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' goes to the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Sportler holt seine Konkurrenten kurz vor dem Ziel ein.
The athlete catches up with his competitors shortly before the finish line.
The meaning of 'einholen' becomes clear from the object. If it refers to people or a lead, it means 'aufschließen' (to catch up). With abstract things like 'Rat' (advice) or 'Meinung' (opinion), it means 'sich beschaffen' (to obtain). With objects like 'Flagge' (flag) or 'Segel' (sails), it means 'hereinziehen' (to haul in).
Der Radfahrer konnte die Spitzengruppe einholen.
The cyclist was able to catch up with the leading group.
In the meaning of 'sich etwas beschaffen' (to obtain something), 'einholen' is very often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are: einen Rat einholen (to seek advice), eine Meinung einholen (to get an opinion), eine Genehmigung einholen (to obtain permission), or ein Angebot einholen (to get a quote).
Vor einer großen Investition sollte man immer den Rat eines Experten einholen.
Before making a major investment, you should always seek the advice of an expert.
In the meaning of 'hereinziehen' (to haul in), the verb is often used in the context of seafaring or official ceremonies. You haul in the sails, the nets, or the flag.
Jeden Abend um 18 Uhr wird die Flagge vor dem Gebäude eingeholt.
Every evening at 6 p.m., the flag in front of the building is hauled in.
to apply for
Both verbs can be used when the goal is to obtain approval. Beantragen means submitting an official application to an authority or institution, whereas einholen can mean obtaining consent or an opinion that has already been requested from someone. Use beantragen for the application process, and eher einholen for obtaining a person's consent.
Die Familie holt vor dem Umbau die Zustimmung des Nachbarn ein.
Before the remodeling, the family obtains the neighbor's consent.
Die Familie beantragt bei der Behörde eine Genehmigung für den Umbau.
The family is applying to the authorities for a permit to remodel the house.
