01
hineinziehen
to drag in
To involve someone against their will in an unpleasant situation, a conflict, or a problem.
example
Ich lasse mich nicht in euren Streit hineinziehen.
I won't let myself be dragged into your argument.
hineinziehen
to drag in / pull in
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Hineinziehen' (to drag in / pull in) is a separable verb. The prefix 'hinein-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er zog mich in die Diskussion hinein.
He dragged me into the discussion.
Word structure
The verb consists of the directional element 'hinein' (into something) and the verb 'ziehen' (to pull). The literal meaning 'in etwas hineinziehen' (to pull into something) helps you also understand the figurative meaning 'in eine Situation verwickeln' (to involve in a situation).
EXAMPLE
Der Staubsauger hat eine kleine Münze hineingezogen.
The vacuum cleaner sucked in a small coin.
Sentence structure and usage
This figurative meaning often follows the pattern 'jemanden in etwas (Akkusativ) hineinziehen' (to drag someone into something). The 'etwas' (something) is usually an unpleasant situation such as an argument, a problem, or a conflict.
EXAMPLE
Versuch nicht, mich in deine Probleme hineinzuziehen.
Don't try to drag me into your problems.
Reflexive use
In the meaning 'sich in die Länge ziehen' (to drag on), the verb is always used reflexively with 'sich'. The subject is usually a process, an event, or a period of time.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt zog sich über mehrere Monate hinein.
The project dragged on over several months.
Compare with
hineinziehen vs ziehen
to pull / move
'ziehen' and 'hineinziehen' both have to do with movement caused by force. 'ziehen' is more general: you move something toward yourself or along behind you. 'hineinziehen' says more precisely that someone or something is moved into a place or into something. In addition, 'hineinziehen' can be used figuratively to mean that someone is drawn into a problem or conflict. The words can be confused because 'hineinziehen' is formed from 'ziehen'. The important point is the direction: with 'hineinziehen', it is always about going into something or becoming involved in a situation.
hineinziehen
Bitte zieh mich nicht in den Streit mit deinem Kollegen hinein.
Please don't drag me into the argument with your colleague.
ziehen
Wegen des kaputten Rads muss er den schweren Koffer bis zum Eingang ziehen.
Because of the broken wheel, he has to pull the heavy suitcase all the way to the entrance.
In real life
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