01
umschließen
to enclose
To completely surround or frame something or someone.
example
Eine hohe Hecke umschließt den gesamten Garten und schützt vor Blicken.
A tall hedge encloses the entire garden and protects it from view.
umschließen
to enclose / embrace
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Umschließen' (to enclose / embrace) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'um-' always remains attached to the verb, and the stress is on the stem: um-SCHLIE-ßen. The past participle is 'umschlossen'.
EXAMPLE
Die Stadtmauer umschloss früher das gesamte Zentrum.
The city wall used to enclose the entire center.
Context clues
The meaning depends on the subject and object. Physical objects (wall, fence) enclose places. People embrace other people. Abstract terms (plan, law) include other concepts.
EXAMPLE
Ein dichter Wald umschließt das kleine Dorf.
A dense forest encloses the small village.
Formal style
In the meaning 'beinhalten' (to contain) or 'umfassen' (to encompass), 'umschließen' (to include) belongs to formal written language. You often find it in official documents, contracts, or academic texts.
EXAMPLE
Der Begriff „Nachhaltigkeit“ umschließt sowohl ökologische als auch soziale Aspekte.
The term 'Nachhaltigkeit' (sustainability) includes both ecological and social aspects.
Compare with
umschließen vs enthalten
to contain / abstain
'enthalten' and 'umschließen' can both mean that something belongs to a whole. 'enthalten' is the normal word when talking about contents or components: a text, a drink, or a plan contains something. 'umschließen' often also has a spatial meaning: something lies around something else and surrounds it. In the meaning 'to include', 'umschließen' sounds rather formal. The words can be confused because both can express the idea of 'including' or 'enclosing'. If you are talking about contents, 'enthalten' is usually more natural. If something surrounds something else from the outside, 'umschließen' fits.
umschließen
Eine hohe Mauer umschließt den alten Garten.
A high wall encloses the old garden.
enthalten
Der Saft enthält viel Zucker.
The juice contains a lot of sugar.
In real life
Loading video examples...