operation / effort / use
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operation
A planned action or mission, especially by organizations such as the police, fire department, or military.
Nach dem Unfall war die Feuerwehr schnell im Einsatz.
After the accident, the fire department was quickly in operation.
'Der Einsatz' is the noun related to the separable verb 'einsetzen' (to insert / to deploy / to use). The basic idea of the verb—putting something in, calling someone into service, or using something—appears again in the different meanings of the noun.
Der Trainer entschied sich, einen neuen Spieler einzusetzen.
The coach decided to put in a new player.
A very common fixed expression is 'im Einsatz sein' (to be in operation / to be on duty). It means that someone or an organization is currently actively working on a mission or task.
Die Rettungskräfte waren die ganze Nacht im Einsatz.
The rescue workers were on duty all night.
To describe personal commitment, 'Einsatz' (effort/commitment) is often combined with the verb 'zeigen' (to show). Typical adjectives are 'groß' (great), 'voll' (full), 'enorm' (enormous), or 'persönlich' (personal).
Die Mitarbeiter zeigten bei dem Projekt großen Einsatz.
The employees showed great effort on the project.
To describe the application of something, the structure 'der Einsatz von + [noun]' (the use of + [noun]) is often used. Another common expression is 'zum Einsatz kommen', which means 'to be used'.
Der Einsatz moderner Technik ist in dieser Firma Standard.
The use of modern technology is standard in this company.
The meaning of 'Einsatz' becomes clear from context. Words like 'Polizei' (police) or 'Feuerwehr' (fire department) point to a mission. 'Arbeit' (work) or 'Projekt' (project) point to commitment, while 'Technik' (technology) or 'Material' (material) point to the use of something.
Der Einsatz der neuen Software hat die Prozesse verbessert.
The use of the new software improved the processes.
In contexts involving games, betting, or finance, 'Einsatz' (stake) refers to the amount of money one risks. Typical verbs are 'erhöhen' (to raise), 'verdoppeln' (to double), or 'verlieren' (to lose).
Er hat seinen ganzen Einsatz bei der letzten Runde verloren.
He lost his entire stake in the last round.
action / sale
'der Einsatz' and 'die Aktion' can both refer to a planned action with a goal. 'der Einsatz' fits especially when an organization such as the fire department, police, or emergency services takes action. The word often sounds more serious and more planned. 'die Aktion' is more general: it can be a single action, a public measure, or a group activity. In emergencies or official missions, 'Einsatz' is more natural. For campaigns, protests, or shared activities, 'Aktion' is often a better fit.
Nach dem Unfall dauerte der Einsatz der Feuerwehr mehrere Stunden.
After the accident, the fire department operation lasted several hours.
Die Schüler planen eine Aktion für mehr Sauberkeit im Park.
The students are planning an action to make the park cleaner.