der Zufluss
tributary
A stream or river that flows into a larger river or a lake.
EXAMPLE
Der Inn ist ein wichtiger Zufluss der Donau.
The Inn is an important tributary of the Danube.
der Zufluss
inflow / tributary
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Meanings
der Zufluss
inflow
The receipt of funds, capital, or other resources.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen verzeichnete einen stetigen Zufluss an Investitionen.
The company recorded a steady inflow of investments.
der Zufluss
inflow
The flowing of a liquid or gas into a container or system.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker regulierte den Zufluss des Kühlmittels.
The technician regulated the inflow of coolant.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zufluss' (inflow/tributary) is derived from the verb 'zufließen' (to flow toward/into), which means 'hinzufließen' (to flow toward something) or 'hineinfließen' (to flow into something). The prefix 'zu-' expresses movement toward something.
EXAMPLE
Das Regenwasser fließt dem See als ständiger Zufluss zu.
The rainwater flows into the lake as a constant inflow.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zufluss' (inflow/tributary) from the context. In a geographical context, it refers to bodies of water; in an economic context, to money or resources; and in a technical context, to liquids or gases.
EXAMPLE
Die Aare ist der größte Zufluss des Rheins.
The Aare is the largest tributary of the Rhine.
Use in geography
In geography, 'Zufluss' (tributary) is often used with the preposition 'in' (+ accusative) or as a genitive attribute to describe where a body of water flows.
EXAMPLE
Dieser kleine Bach ist ein Zufluss in den Bodensee.
This small stream is a tributary flowing into Lake Constance.
Typical collocations (finance)
In financial contexts, 'Zufluss' (inflow) is often used with the preposition 'von' (of/from) to name the source. Typical adjectives are 'stetig' (steady), 'regelmäßig' (regular), or 'plötzlich' (sudden).
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt wird durch einen stetigen Zufluss von Spendengeldern finanziert.
The project is financed by a steady inflow of donations.
Typical verbs (technology)
In technical contexts, the 'Zufluss' (inflow) is often actively controlled. Typical verbs are therefore 'regulieren' (to regulate), 'kontrollieren' (to control), 'stoppen' (to stop), or 'erhöhen' (to increase).
EXAMPLE
Ein Ventil kontrolliert den Zufluss von heißem Wasser in den Tank.
A valve controls the inflow of hot water into the tank.
Compare with
Zufluss vs Zulauf
influx / inlet
When referring to water in a system, Zulauf usually means the pipe, opening, or entry point that supplies it. Zufluss, by contrast, mainly refers to the water flowing in itself. Zulauf therefore fits a component, while Zufluss fits the process or its rate.
Zufluss
Der Zufluss in das Becken wurde wegen des hohen Wasserstands verringert.
The inflow into the basin was reduced because the water level was high.
Zulauf
Der Zulauf zum Becken muss wegen eines Risses ersetzt werden.
The inlet to the basin needs to be replaced because of a crack.
In real life
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