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
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Meanings
umschließen
to embrace
To hold someone or something tightly with one's arms or hands; to hug.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter umschloss ihr weinendes Kind tröstend mit den Armen.
The mother embraced her crying child comfortingly with her arms.
umschließen
to include
To contain something as part of a whole or include it as well. This meaning is more formal and is similar to 'umfassen' (to encompass).
EXAMPLE
Das Reformpaket umschließt Maßnahmen zur Steuererleichterung und zur Förderung von Familien.
The reform package includes measures for tax relief and for supporting families.
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
Both words can indicate which services or components belong to a whole. „Enthalten“ neutrally names the existing contents, while „umschließen“ is more formal in this meaning and emphasizes the full scope of an offer or package. Use „enthalten“ for a simple description of the contents and „umschließen“ when the complete range of services is being emphasized.
umschließen
Das Paket umschließt den Versand und eine persönliche Beratung.
The package encompasses shipping and a personal consultation.
enthalten
Das Paket enthält den Versand und eine persönliche Beratung.
The package includes shipping and a personal consultation.
In real life
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