01
einrichten
to furnish
To equip a room or apartment with furniture and other objects.
example
Nach dem Umzug müssen wir unsere neue Wohnung noch komplett einrichten.
After the move, we still have to completely furnish our new apartment.
einrichten
to furnish / set up
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Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einrichten' (to furnish / set up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Sie richtet ihre neue Wohnung modern ein.
She furnishes her new apartment in a modern style.
Context clues
The object of the sentence reveals the meaning: if you 'einrichten' (furnish) a 'Wohnung' (apartment) or a 'Zimmer' (room), it is about furniture. If you 'einrichten' (set up) a 'Konto' (account) or 'WLAN' (Wi-Fi), it is about technology. If you 'einrichten' (set) a 'Knochen' (bone), it is medical.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen noch das Kinderzimmer einrichten.
We still have to furnish the children's room.
Typical adverbs
When furnishing rooms, adverbs are often used to describe the style. Typical combinations are 'gemütlich einrichten' (to furnish cozily), 'modern einrichten' (to furnish in a modern style), or 'neu einrichten' (to refurnish / furnish anew).
EXAMPLE
Sie haben ihr Wohnzimmer sehr gemütlich eingerichtet.
They furnished their living room very cozily.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
In this meaning, the verb is always reflexive and is used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative: 'sich auf etwas einrichten' (to prepare for something). It means to prepare mentally or organizationally.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Staus sollten wir uns auf eine längere Fahrt einrichten.
Because of the traffic jam, we should prepare for a longer drive.
Compare with
einrichten vs gründen
to found / be based on
'gründen' and 'einrichten' can both have to do with starting something new. 'gründen' is used when a company, club, organization, or even a family is newly created. It sounds like an official beginning. 'einrichten' is used more when you prepare, organize, or technically create something so that it can be used, for example an account, an office, or a connection. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit with new things. A simple guide is: You found a company ('eine Firma gründen'), but you set up an account ('ein Konto einrichten').
einrichten
Lena richtet für das Team einen neuen Chat ein.
Lena is setting up a new chat for the team.
gründen
Wir gründen bei der Arbeit eine Sportgruppe für die Mittagspause.
We are starting a sports group at work for the lunch break.
In real life
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