01
einziehen
to move in
To take up residence in a new apartment or a new house.
example
Nächste Woche ziehen wir endlich in die neue Wohnung ein.
Next week we are finally moving into the new apartment.
einziehen
to move in / collect / absorb
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einziehen' (to move in / collect / absorb) is a separable verb. The prefix 'ein-' stands at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Meine neuen Nachbarn ziehen morgen ein.
My new neighbors are moving in tomorrow.
Word structure
The verb consists of 'ein-' (in, into) and 'ziehen' (to move, to pull something). The literal meaning 'hineinziehen' (to pull into) or 'hineinbewegen' (to move into) helps you understand many of the figurative meanings, e.g. into an apartment, into the skin, or into an organization.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten zogen in die eroberte Stadt ein.
The soldiers entered the conquered city.
Auxiliary verb: sein or haben
The perfect tense is formed with 'sein' (to be) when movement of the subject is meant, e.g. moving into a house or cream being absorbed. In the other meanings, such as money, driver's license, or military, 'haben' (to have) is used.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind letztes Jahr in dieses Haus eingezogen.
We moved into this house last year.
Sentence structure: preposition
When someone moves into a new place to live, the preposition 'in' is used with the accusative. Typical formulations are 'in eine Wohnung einziehen' (to move into an apartment) or 'in ein Haus einziehen' (to move into a house).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist gerade in ihre erste eigene Wohnung eingezogen.
She has just moved into her first apartment of her own.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'einziehen' (to collect) is usually combined with financial or administrative terms. Typical objects are 'Schulden' (debts), 'Steuern' (taxes), 'Gebühren' (fees), or 'Forderungen' (claims).
EXAMPLE
Das Finanzamt wird die ausstehenden Steuern einziehen.
The tax office will collect the outstanding taxes.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'absorbiert werden' (to be absorbed), the verb is often used without an object. The subject is the substance that penetrates into a surface.
EXAMPLE
Die Sonnencreme zieht schnell ein und fettet nicht.
The sunscreen absorbs quickly and is not greasy.
Context: authorities
This meaning is typical of official language. The subject is usually an authority such as the police or customs, which officially takes something away.
EXAMPLE
Der Zoll hat die gefälschten Markenprodukte eingezogen.
Customs confiscated the counterfeit branded products.
Sentence structure: passive
In the context of military service, 'einziehen' (to draft) is very often used in the passive to say that someone was required to serve. The construction is: 'jemand wird (zum Militär) eingezogen' (someone is drafted into the military).
EXAMPLE
Er wurde direkt nach der Schule zum Wehrdienst eingezogen.
He was drafted into military service right after school.
Compare with
einziehen vs beziehen
to refer / move into / receive
'beziehen' and 'einziehen' can both mean that you move into a new apartment or house. 'einziehen' is very common for this in everyday language and emphasizes the act of moving. 'eine Wohnung beziehen' (to move into an apartment) also means to begin living there, but it sounds somewhat more formal, for example in contracts, advertisements, or official texts. The words can be confused because they are almost the same in this meaning. In conversation, people usually say 'einziehen'; in more formal texts, 'beziehen' fits well.
einziehen
Lea zieht heute in ihre erste eigene Wohnung ein.
Lea is moving into her first apartment of her own today.
beziehen
Die Familie bezieht im September eine größere Wohnung.
The family is moving into a larger apartment in September.
In real life
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