01
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
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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 Eingang
entrance / receipt
'der Eingang' and 'der Zufluss' can both mean that money or other resources arrive. 'der Eingang' is more general and is often used for the specific moment when a payment, message, or file is received. 'der Zufluss' puts more emphasis on the flow of money or resources into a cash fund, a project, or a system. The word often sounds more economic or technical. Learners may confuse the words because both fit in contexts involving money. As a practical rule: for a single payment, 'Eingang' is more natural; for regular or larger resources, 'Zufluss' is more likely.
Zufluss
Durch neue Spenden hat der Verein wieder einen sicheren Zufluss von Geld.
Thanks to new donations, the club once again has a secure inflow of money.
Eingang
Der Eingang der Miete wurde heute auf dem Konto bestätigt.
Receipt of the rent was confirmed in the account today.
In real life
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