to settle in / bring in / record
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to settle in
To develop, after an initial phase, into a smoothly functioning and harmonious state. Often refers to teams, processes, or relationships.
Nach ein paar Wochen hat sich das neue Team gut eingespielt.
After a few weeks, the new team had settled in well.
'Einspielen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' goes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses, the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
Der neue Film spielt viel Geld ein.
The new film brings in a lot of money.
Pay attention to whether the verb is used reflexively ('sich einspielen') or non-reflexively ('etwas einspielen'). 'Sich einspielen' means that something becomes harmonious or that you warm up. 'Etwas einspielen' means to earn money or record music.
Die Arbeitsabläufe in der neuen Abteilung müssen sich erst noch einspielen.
The workflows in the new department still have to settle in.
When referring to a harmonious state, typical subjects are 'das Team' (the team), 'die Gruppe' (the group), 'die Zusammenarbeit' (the collaboration), or 'die Abläufe' (the processes/workflows).
Nach einigen Anfangsschwierigkeiten hat sich die Zusammenarbeit gut eingespielt.
After some initial difficulties, the collaboration settled in well.
In the meaning 'Geld verdienen' (to earn money), the object is often an amount of money or a related concept like 'die Kosten' (the costs), 'einen Gewinn' (a profit), or 'Millionen' (millions).
Mit dem Verkauf des Produkts wollen wir die Entwicklungskosten wieder einspielen.
With the sale of the product, we want to bring in the development costs again.
This meaning is found almost exclusively in a musical context. You can record 'ein Album' (an album), 'einen Song' (a song), 'eine CD' (a CD), or 'ein Stück' (a piece).
Die Philharmoniker haben die neunte Sinfonie neu eingespielt.
The Philharmonic has newly recorded the Ninth Symphony.
This reflexive meaning always describes a short warm-up phase directly before an event. Typical subjects are 'Musiker' (musicians), 'ein Orchester' (an orchestra), or 'Sportler' (athletes).
Die Fußballmannschaft spielt sich vor dem Anpfiff auf dem Platz ein.
The soccer team warms up on the field before kick-off.
to record / take in
'aufnehmen' and 'einspielen' can both mean that music or other sounds are recorded technically. In this context, they are often very similar. 'aufnehmen' is more general and works for sound, video, interviews, or noises. 'einspielen' is used especially with music or audio, when someone plays or records a piece, a voice, or an instrument for a recording. The words can easily be confused because both fit in studio or music contexts. As a simple guide: a camera or phone 'nimmt etwas auf' (records something); musicians often 'spielen einen Teil oder ein Lied ein' (record a part or a song).
Die Band spielt am Abend noch den neuen Song im Studio ein.
The band records the new song in the studio later that evening.
Lisa nimmt das Gespräch mit ihrem Handy auf.
Lisa records the conversation with her phone.