die Einladung
invitation
An oral or written request to take part in an event, visit someone, or be a guest.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben eine Einladung zur Hochzeit von Freunden erhalten.
We received an invitation to the wedding of some friends.
die Einladung
invitation
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Einladung
invitation
Figuratively, a circumstance that provokes or encourages a certain, often negative, behavior.
EXAMPLE
Das offene Autofenster war eine reine Einladung zum Diebstahl.
The open car window was practically an invitation to theft.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Einladung' (the invitation) is the noun related to the separable verb 'einladen' (to invite). The action is 'jemanden einladen' (to invite someone); the result or document is 'die Einladung' (the invitation).
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte dich zu meiner Party einladen.
I would like to invite you to my party.
Correct preposition
To name the occasion for the invitation, German uses the preposition 'zu' followed by the dative. For example, 'die Einladung zum Geburtstag' (the invitation to the birthday party) or 'die Einladung zur Hochzeit' (the invitation to the wedding).
EXAMPLE
Danke für die Einladung zum Abendessen.
Thanks for the invitation to dinner.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used together with 'Einladung' (invitation) are: 'eine Einladung bekommen' (to get an invitation), 'annehmen' (to accept), 'ablehnen' (to decline), 'aussprechen' (to extend), or 'verschicken' (to send out).
EXAMPLE
Leider muss ich deine Einladung ablehnen.
Unfortunately, I have to decline your invitation.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'Einladung' (invitation) describes a situation that practically invites negative behavior. This is not about a social event, but about an unwise action.
EXAMPLE
Die unverschlossene Tür war eine Einladung für Diebe.
The unlocked door was an invitation for thieves.
Compare with
Einladung vs Aufforderung
request / order
Both an Einladung and an Aufforderung can prompt someone to take an action. An Einladung emphasizes more of an opportunity that is open to be taken, while an Aufforderung directly calls for the action. Use „Einladung“ for an enticing circumstance, and „Aufforderung“ for a clear request or instruction.
Einladung
Die offene Tür war für die Kinder eine Einladung, den Garten zu betreten.
The open door was an invitation for the children to enter the garden.
Aufforderung
Das Schild „Bitte eintreten“ war für die Kinder eine Aufforderung, den Garten zu betreten.
The sign saying “Please enter” was a prompt for the children to enter the garden.
In real life
Loading video examples...