inauguration / housewarming
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inauguration
A celebration or ceremony marking the official opening and commissioning of a new building, bridge, or monument.
Zur Einweihung des neuen Museums kam sogar der Bundespräsident.
Even the Federal President came to the inauguration of the new museum.
The word is the nominalization of the separable verb 'einweihen' (to inaugurate/initiate). This consists of 'ein-' and 'weihen' (to ceremonially dedicate something to its purpose). An 'Einweihung' (inauguration/housewarming/initiation) is therefore the act in which something new is officially put into use.
Der Priester weihte die neue Kirche ein.
The priest consecrated the new church.
In the context of a new apartment, people often speak of an 'Einweihungsparty' (housewarming party). Typical verbs are 'eine Einweihung feiern' (to celebrate a housewarming/inauguration) or 'zur Einweihung einladen' (to invite someone to a housewarming/inauguration).
Wir feiern am Samstag unsere Einweihung, kommt ihr auch?
We're celebrating our housewarming on Saturday; are you coming too?
When someone is initiated into a secret or a plan, the preposition 'in' followed by the accusative is used. This structure is also retained with the noun 'die Einweihung' (initiation).
Seine Einweihung in die Pläne erfolgte unter strengster Geheimhaltung.
His initiation into the plans took place under the strictest secrecy.
This meaning almost always refers to the official opening of public or large structures. Signal words in the context include 'Brücke' (bridge), 'Rathaus' (town hall), 'Denkmal' (monument), or 'Flughafen' (airport).
Die ganze Stadt feierte die Einweihung der neuen U-Bahn-Linie.
The whole city celebrated the inauguration of the new subway line.
introduction / implementation / insertion
'die Einführung' and 'die Einweihung' both have to do with a beginning or with being introduced into something new. 'Einführung' is used for an initial explanation or for putting something new into use, such as a system or a rule. 'Einweihung' often means a celebration for the official opening of a building or facility. It can also mean that someone is initiated into a secret or a plan. The words can be confused because both sound connected to a beginning. For explanations and new systems, 'Einführung' is usually appropriate; for an opening celebration, 'Einweihung' fits.
Zur Einweihung der neuen Sporthalle kamen viele Gäste.
Many guests came to the inauguration of the new sports hall.
Nach dem Gespräch bekommt die Mitarbeiterin eine Einführung in das neue Programm.
After the meeting, the employee receives an introduction to the new program.