importieren
to import
To bring goods, services, or raw materials from abroad into one's own country.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma importiert Kaffee direkt aus Südamerika.
The company imports coffee directly from South America.
importieren
to import
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
importieren
to import
In computing, to transfer data or files from one program or system into another.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst deine Lesezeichen aus dem alten Browser ganz einfach importieren.
You can easily import your bookmarks from the old browser.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb comes from the Latin 'importare', which means 'to carry in' (in = into, portare = to carry). This basic meaning fits both the import of goods into a country and the import of data into a program.
EXAMPLE
Wir importieren viele exotische Früchte aus tropischen Ländern.
We import many exotic fruits from tropical countries.
Context clue
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about countries, trade, goods, or raw materials, the economic meaning is intended. If it is about computers, programs, data, or files, the technical meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Deutschland importiert viel Öl aus dem Ausland.
Germany imports a lot of oil from abroad.
Sentence structure: trade
In an economic context, the structure '[goods] aus [country/region] importieren' ([to] import [goods] from [country/region]) is often used. The preposition 'aus' indicates the origin.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen importiert hochwertige Uhren aus der Schweiz.
The company imports high-quality watches from Switzerland.
Sentence structure: IT
In an IT context, the pattern is often '[Daten] aus [Quelle] in [Ziel] importieren' (to import [data] from [source] into [destination]). The prepositions 'aus' and 'in' are crucial here.
EXAMPLE
Sie können die Fotos von Ihrer Kamera direkt in die Bearbeitungssoftware importieren.
You can import the photos from your camera directly into the editing software.
Compare with
importieren vs übertragen
to transmit / transfer
When files are moved, übertragen refers to transporting them from one device or location to another. Importieren means that a program or system takes over the files and reads them in for further use. Use übertragen for simply copying files, and importieren for bringing them into a program.
importieren
Mia importiert die Fotos anschließend in ihr Bildprogramm.
Mia then imports the photos into her photo-editing program.
übertragen
Mia überträgt die Fotos von der Kamera auf ihren Computer.
Mia transfers the photos from the camera to her computer.
In real life
Loading video examples...