01
einschließen
to lock in
To lock someone or something inside a room or container so that they or it can no longer get out.
example
Er hat sich aus Versehen im Keller eingeschlossen.
He accidentally locked himself in the basement.
einschließen
to lock in / include / enclose
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einschließen' (to lock in / include / enclose) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' comes at the end in main clauses; in subordinate clauses the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'ein' and 'schließen'.
EXAMPLE
Der Museumswärter schließt die Besucher nach der Öffnungszeit ein.
The museum guard locks the visitors in after opening hours.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the object: when a person is 'eingeschlossen' (locked in), it means 'einsperren' (to lock up). When a price or an offer 'etwas einschließt' (includes something), it means 'beinhalten' (to contain/include). When a wall or fence 'etwas einschließt' (encloses something), it means 'umgeben' (to surround).
EXAMPLE
Er schloss den Brief in dem Paket ein.
He enclosed the letter in the package.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'einsperren' (to lock up), the verb is very often used reflexively: 'sich einschließen' (to lock oneself in). This means that someone locks themselves, intentionally or unintentionally, in a room.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich aus Versehen im Badezimmer eingeschlossen.
I accidentally locked myself in the bathroom.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'beinhalten' (to include/contain), the word is often used in contracts, offers, or services. Typical phrases are 'die Mehrwertsteuer einschließen' (to include VAT), 'den Service einschließen' (to include the service), or 'alle Kosten einschließen' (to include all costs).
EXAMPLE
Schließt dieser Preis auch die Lieferung mit ein?
Does this price also include delivery?
Compare with
einschließen vs enthalten
to contain / abstain
'enthalten' and 'einschließen' can both express that something is part of a whole. 'enthalten' is often used when you are directly describing the contents: a drink contains sugar, a letter contains information. 'einschließen' emphasizes more strongly that something belongs with it or is included in a group. It often sounds somewhat more formal or precise when describing the limits of an offer, price, or plan. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'to be included'. What is important: 'einschließen' also has other meanings, for example locking someone in; in this relation, however, it is about 'including as a part'.
einschließen
Der Preis schließt Frühstück und die Nutzung des Schwimmbads ein.
The price includes breakfast and use of the swimming pool.
enthalten
Der Bericht enthält alle wichtigen Zahlen vom letzten Monat.
The report contains all the important figures from last month.
In real life
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