01
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
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Meanings
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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 Ladung
cargo / charge / summons
'die Einladung' and 'die Ladung' can both be a request to come somewhere. But the difference is important. An 'Einladung' is usually friendly or private: you are supposed to come to a celebration, a meal, or a visit. A 'Ladung' is official and comes, for example, from a court or an authority. It is not simply a nice request. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. In everyday life with friends, you almost always say 'Einladung'; for courts or authorities, you say 'Ladung'.
Einladung
Für die Hochzeit hat Maria eine schöne Einladung an ihre Familie geschickt.
For the wedding, Maria sent a beautiful invitation to her family.
Ladung
Wegen des Unfalls bekam der Fahrer eine Ladung vor Gericht.
Because of the accident, the driver received a summons to appear in court.
In real life
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