import
Loading your saved state.
import
The process of bringing goods or services from abroad into one's own country. The opposite is export.
Der Import von Elektronik aus Asien ist in den letzten Jahren stark gestiegen.
The import of electronics from Asia has risen sharply in recent years.
import
Refers to the imported goods themselves. In this meaning, the plural 'die Importe' (imports) is often used.
Dieser Käse ist ein Import aus Frankreich.
This cheese is an import from France.
The word comes from the Latin 'importare', which means 'to carry in' (im- = in, portare = to carry). This structure also helps you understand the opposite, 'der Export' (export) (ex- = out).
Der Import von Gütern ist für unsere Wirtschaft von großer Bedeutung.
The import of goods is of great importance for our economy.
'Der Import' (import) belongs to a word family. The related verb is 'importieren' (to import), and the person or company that imports is 'der Importeur' (importer).
Die Firma hat sich auf das Importieren von Spezialitäten spezialisiert.
The company has specialized in importing specialty products.
When the process is meant, 'Import' is usually singular. When the goods themselves are meant, the plural 'die Importe' (imports) is often used, or the singular is used with reference to a specific product.
Die Regierung will den Import von Rohstoffen fördern.
The government wants to promote the import of raw materials.
When talking about the process of importing, the structure is often used: der Import VON [goods] AUS [country] (the import OF [goods] FROM [country]).
Der Import von Wein aus Italien hat zugenommen.
The import of wine from Italy has increased.
import
Both words refer to bringing goods or services from abroad into one’s own country. “Import” is more strongly associated with economic language and can also refer to the goods imported, while “Einfuhr” refers especially to the process in official or customs-related statements. For a customs procedure, “Einfuhr” is therefore usually the better choice.
Der Import von Kaffee aus Brasilien ist für das Unternehmen wichtig.
Importing coffee from Brazil is important to the company.
Die Einfuhr des Kaffees wurde beim Zoll sorgfältig geprüft.
The importation of the coffee was carefully inspected by customs.
