to collect / drive in
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to collect
To demand and collect debts or other outstanding sums of money firmly, often also by legal means.
Das Unternehmen hat ein Inkassobüro beauftragt, die unbezahlten Rechnungen einzutreiben.
The company hired a collection agency to collect the unpaid invoices.
to drive in
(agriculture, becoming dated) To drive a herd of animals (e.g., livestock) into a stable or pen.
Vor dem Gewitter musste der Bauer schnell das Vieh von der Weide eintreiben.
Before the thunderstorm, the farmer had to quickly drive the cattle in from the pasture.
'Eintreiben' (to collect / drive in) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' separates from the verb 'treiben' in a main clause and stands at the end.
Das Finanzamt treibt die fälligen Steuern ein.
The tax office collects the taxes due.
The word is made up of 'ein' and 'treiben'. The prefix 'ein-' here means 'inward' or 'into one's own possession'. The basic meaning of 'treiben' (to move something with pressure) is preserved in both meanings.
Der Gerichtsvollzieher sollte das Geld eintreiben.
The bailiff was supposed to collect the money.
This meaning is almost always used in connection with finances. Typical objects are 'Schulden' (debts), 'Geld' (money), 'Forderungen' (claims), or 'Steuern' (taxes).
Die Mafia ist bekannt dafür, Schutzgelder einzutreiben.
The mafia is known for collecting protection money.
This agricultural meaning is rare today and is considered becoming dated. It is found mainly in older texts or historical descriptions.
Jeden Abend trieb der Hirte die Schafe in den Stall ein.
Every evening, the shepherd drove the sheep into the stable.
to move in / collect / absorb
Einziehen and eintreiben can both refer to collecting amounts that are owed. Einziehen is broader and does not necessarily emphasize strong pressure. Eintreiben, by contrast, typically emphasizes forceful action, often after unsuccessful payment demands or using legal means.
Nach mehreren erfolglosen Mahnungen treibt die Verwaltung die fällige Gebühr rechtlich ein.
After several unsuccessful payment reminders, the administration legally collects the fee that is due.
Die Verwaltung zieht die fällige Gebühr regulär ein.
The administration regularly collects the fee that is due.
