01
herein
in / come in
Expresses movement from outside to inside. It is often used on its own as an invitation to enter.
example
Als es klopfte, rief er laut: „Herein!“
When there was a knock, he called loudly, 'Come in!'
herein
in / come in
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Meanings
Usage tips
Structure of the adverb
The word consists of 'her' and 'ein'. The syllable 'her' signals movement toward the speaker. 'Herein' therefore means 'into the room where I am'.
EXAMPLE
Komm bitte herein und schließ die Tür.
Please come in and close the door.
Part of separable verbs
'Herein' often functions as a separable prefix for verbs that describe movement. Examples include 'hereinkommen' (to come in), 'hereinbitten' (to invite in), 'hereinlassen' (to let in), or 'hereinschauen' (to look in / drop by).
EXAMPLE
Der Schneesturm war so stark, dass Schnee zur Tür hereinkam.
The snowstorm was so strong that snow came in through the door.
Colloquial short form
In spoken language, 'herein' is almost always shortened to 'rein'. 'Komm rein!' (Come in!) is much more common and natural than 'Komm herein!'
EXAMPLE
Es regnet! Kommt schnell rein!
It's raining! Come in quickly!
Compare with
herein vs raus
out
'raus' and 'herein' both describe movement across a boundary, for example at a door, but in opposite directions. 'raus' means from inside to outside and is colloquial. 'herein' means from outside to inside, often toward the person who is already inside. You also hear 'Herein!' (Come in!) as an invitation when someone knocks. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with entering or leaving a room. The important point is: 'raus' leaves the room; 'herein' comes into the room.
herein
Nach dem Klopfen sagt der Verkäufer freundlich: „Herein!“
After the knock, the salesperson says kindly, “Come in!”
raus
Vor dem Termin geht Tom noch kurz raus, um zu telefonieren.
Before the appointment, Tom goes out briefly to make a phone call.
In real life
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