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
einschließen
to include
To include or contain something or someone as part of a whole.
EXAMPLE
Der Preis schließt Frühstück und Abendessen ein.
The price includes breakfast and dinner.
einschließen
to enclose
To completely surround or enclose something.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Stadtmauer schließt den historischen Kern komplett ein.
The old city wall completely encloses the historic center.
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
Both words can express that something is part of a whole. „Enthalten“ primarily refers to the content that is already present, while „einschließen“ emphasizes the scope or the inclusion in a whole more strongly. Use „enthalten“ for a neutral description of the contents and „einschließen“ when the idea of belonging is explicitly implied.
einschließen
Das Reisepaket schließt den Flug und zwei Übernachtungen ein.
The travel package includes the flight and two nights' accommodation.
enthalten
Das Reisepaket enthält den Flug und zwei Übernachtungen.
The travel package contains the flight and two nights' accommodation.
In real life
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