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.
'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 rescue / to contain
'bergen' and 'einholen' can both mean that something is brought closer from outside or from a difficult situation. The important difference is the reason: 'bergen' is used when someone or something is rescued from danger or brought to safety, for example after an accident. 'einholen' is much more neutral in this meaning and tends to mean that you pull something in, such as a flag or sails. The words are easy to confuse because both have to do with bringing something in or closer. In cases of danger or rescue, 'bergen' is correct; for normal pulling in, 'einholen' fits.
Vor dem Gewitter holen die Matrosen die Segel ein.
Before the thunderstorm, the sailors take in the sails.
Nach dem Sturm konnten die Helfer das Boot aus dem Wasser bergen.
After the storm, the helpers were able to recover the boat from the water.