einleiten
to initiate
To begin something or make the start of something, often a process, event, or action.
EXAMPLE
Der Vorsitzende leitete die Sitzung mit einer kurzen Begrüßung ein.
The chairperson initiated the meeting with a brief greeting.
einleiten
to initiate / introduce
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Meanings
einleiten
to discharge / introduce
To deliberately guide or bring something into a system, cycle, or body.
EXAMPLE
Die Fabrik darf keine ungeklärten Abwässer mehr in den Fluss einleiten.
The factory is no longer allowed to discharge untreated wastewater into the river.
einleiten
to induce
In medicine, to artificially bring about or start labor in a pregnant woman.
EXAMPLE
Da das Baby überfällig war, mussten die Ärzte die Geburt einleiten.
Because the baby was overdue, the doctors had to induce labor.
einleiten
to introduce
To begin a text, sentence, or speech with particular words or a particular phrase.
EXAMPLE
Er leitete seinen Vortrag mit einem überraschenden Zitat ein.
He introduced his presentation with a surprising quote.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einleiten' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' goes to the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei leitet sofort eine Untersuchung ein.
The police immediately initiate an investigation.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'ein-' (in/into) and the verb 'leiten' (to guide/lead). The literal meaning is therefore 'to guide into', which describes the start of a process or the bringing of something into something.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem Satz leiten Sie den Hauptteil Ihres Aufsatzes ein.
With this sentence, you introduce the main part of your essay.
Typical collocations
In formal contexts, 'einleiten' is often used for the beginning of official processes: 'ein Verfahren einleiten' (to initiate proceedings), 'Ermittlungen einleiten' (to initiate investigations), or 'rechtliche Schritte einleiten' (to initiate legal steps).
EXAMPLE
Die Staatsanwaltschaft hat ein Ermittlungsverfahren eingeleitet.
The public prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation.
Context clue
In connection with words like 'Fluss' (river), 'Meer' (sea), 'Abwasser' (wastewater), or 'Chemikalien' (chemicals), 'einleiten' means that a substance is brought into a system. This use often has a negative connotation.
EXAMPLE
Es ist streng verboten, Giftstoffe in das Grundwasser einzuleiten.
It is strictly forbidden to discharge toxic substances into the groundwater.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
When beginning a text or speech, the preposition 'mit' (with) is often used to name the means or the first words: 'etwas mit etwas einleiten' (to introduce something with something).
EXAMPLE
Die Kanzlerin leitete ihre Rede mit einem Dank an die Helfer ein.
The chancellor introduced her speech with thanks to the helpers.
Compare with
einleiten vs beginnen
to begin
In the context of a procedure, beginnen neutrally refers to its point of beginning in time. einleiten emphasizes more strongly that someone sets the process in motion through deliberate initial measures. If the focus is only on when the procedure starts, beginnen is appropriate; if the initiating steps are central, einleiten is appropriate.
einleiten
Die Behörde leitet das Verfahren mit einer schriftlichen Prüfung ein.
The authorities initiate the procedure with a written review.
beginnen
Das Verfahren beginnt am kommenden Montag.
The procedure begins next Monday.
In real life
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