En 15 secondes
- Used for submitting official paperwork to authorities.
- Common in job applications, visas, and university tasks.
- Implies a formal process is being followed.
Signification
This phrase is used when you officially hand over or submit paperwork to an authority, office, or organization.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Applying for an apartment
Ich muss noch meine Gehaltsnachweise beim Vermieter einreichen.
I still need to submit my proof of income to the landlord.
University application
Haben Sie alle Dokumente fristgerecht eingereicht?
Did you submit all documents before the deadline?
Texting a friend about a job
Endlich! Ich habe heute meine Bewerbung eingereicht.
Finally! I submitted my application today.
Contexte culturel
The 'Einreichungsfrist' (submission deadline) is sacred. Submitting even one minute late can result in an application being rejected without review. Similar to Germany, but there is a slightly higher emphasis on 'Stempel' (stamps). Even digitally eingereichte documents might require a digital signature (Handysignatur). The process is often more decentralized. You might 'einreichen' documents at the 'Gemeinde' (municipality) level rather than a central office. The 'Krankmeldung' (sick note) must usually be 'eingereicht' by the third day of illness, though many companies now require it on the first day.
Always ask for a confirmation
When you 'einreichen' something in person, ask for an 'Eingangsbestätigung' (confirmation of receipt).
Check the format
Authorities often specify if you must einreichen 'im Original' or as a 'beglaubigte Kopie' (certified copy).
En 15 secondes
- Used for submitting official paperwork to authorities.
- Common in job applications, visas, and university tasks.
- Implies a formal process is being followed.
What It Means
Dokumente einreichen is the standard way to say you are submitting paperwork. It is not just handing something over. It implies a formal process is happening. You are giving files to someone who will process them. Think of it as the official 'hand-off' in a bureaucratic relay race.
How To Use It
You will usually use this with a modal verb. For example, Ich muss die Dokumente einreichen. The verb einreichen is separable, but in most sentences, it stays together at the end. If you use it in the present tense, it becomes Ich reiche die Dokumente ein. It sounds very organized and professional. Use it when you want to show you are following the rules.
When To Use It
Use this phrase at the Bürgeramt (citizenship office). Use it when applying for a new job or university. It is perfect for insurance claims or bank loans. If an official asks for your ID or certificates, this is the verb they will use. It is the bread and butter of German administrative life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for casual things. You do not einreichen a pizza to a delivery driver. You do not einreichen a gift to your grandmother. That would sound like you are treating your grandma like a tax office. Stick to geben or schenken for personal items. Avoid it in very relaxed, non-official settings.
Cultural Background
Germany is famous for its Bürokratie (bureaucracy). Paperwork is a huge part of the culture. To einreichen something is almost a ritual. It marks the start of a formal request. Germans value the 'Papiere' (papers) very highly. If you haven't submitted the document, the process doesn't exist. It is the key to unlocking the German system.
Common Variations
You might hear Unterlagen einreichen quite often. Unterlagen is a broader word for 'records' or 'supportive papers'. You can also say einen Antrag einreichen for submitting an application. If you are being less formal, you might just say abgeben. But einreichen makes you sound like you know exactly what you are doing.
Notes d'usage
This is a formal/neutral collocation. It is the standard term in any administrative or professional context. Avoid using it in casual, personal interactions.
Always ask for a confirmation
When you 'einreichen' something in person, ask for an 'Eingangsbestätigung' (confirmation of receipt).
Check the format
Authorities often specify if you must einreichen 'im Original' or as a 'beglaubigte Kopie' (certified copy).
The power of 'nachreichen'
If you are missing a document at an appointment, don't panic. Ask: 'Kann ich das Dokument nachreichen?' It often saves the day.
Exemples
6Ich muss noch meine Gehaltsnachweise beim Vermieter einreichen.
I still need to submit my proof of income to the landlord.
A very common real-world scenario in German cities.
Haben Sie alle Dokumente fristgerecht eingereicht?
Did you submit all documents before the deadline?
Uses the past participle 'eingereicht'.
Endlich! Ich habe heute meine Bewerbung eingereicht.
Finally! I submitted my application today.
Shows relief after finishing a big task.
Ich reiche hiermit meinen Urlaubsantrag für die nächsten 10 Jahre ein.
I hereby submit my vacation request for the next 10 years.
Using formal language for an impossible joke.
Bitte reichen Sie die Unfallberichte so schnell wie möglich ein.
Please submit the accident reports as soon as possible.
Standard instruction from an insurance company.
Ich habe jahrelang darauf gewartet, diese Dokumente einreichen zu können.
I have waited years to be able to submit these documents.
Reflects the weight of a long bureaucratic journey.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'einreichen'.
Ich ______ {die|f} Dokumente morgen ______.
In the present tense, the separable prefix 'ein' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct for a formal job application?
Choose the best option:
'Unterlagen einreichen' is the standard formal phrase for job applications.
Complete the dialogue at the Bürgeramt.
Beamter: 'Haben Sie {das|n} Formular dabei?' Du: 'Nein, kann ich es ______?'
'Nachreichen' means to submit something later, which fits the context of not having it 'dabei' (with you).
Match the verb to the situation.
1. Lending a book to a friend. 2. Submitting a tax return. 3. Giving a package to the post office.
'Geben' is for friends, 'einreichen' for authorities, 'abgeben' for physical drop-offs.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Einreichen vs. Abgeben
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIch ______ {die|f} Dokumente morgen ______.
In the present tense, the separable prefix 'ein' goes to the end.
Choose the best option:
'Unterlagen einreichen' is the standard formal phrase for job applications.
Beamter: 'Haben Sie {das|n} Formular dabei?' Du: 'Nein, kann ich es ______?'
'Nachreichen' means to submit something later, which fits the context of not having it 'dabei' (with you).
1. Lending a book to a friend. 2. Submitting a tax return. 3. Giving a package to the post office.
'Geben' is for friends, 'einreichen' for authorities, 'abgeben' for physical drop-offs.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is now used for digital uploads as well. 'Digital einreichen' is a standard phrase.
'Einreichen' is formal and official; 'abgeben' is more general and can be informal.
No, you only 'einreichen' documents, applications, or motions. You 'stellen' (place/introduce) a person.
It takes the accusative case for the object being submitted.
Use 'bei' for the authority (bei der Bank) and 'für' for the purpose (für das Visum).
'Einreichen' is to submit. 'Anreichen' means to hand someone something (like a plate of food). Don't mix them up!
Yes, if it's a formal university thesis. For daily school homework, 'abgeben' is better.
It is the deadline by which you must submit your documents.
You say: 'Ich habe es eingereicht.'
Yes, very often for reports, receipts, and project proposals.
Expressions liées
Unterlagen nachreichen
specialized formTo submit missing documents later.
Einen Antrag stellen
similarTo apply for something.
Dokumente vorlegen
similarTo present documents for inspection.
Etwas einhändigen
similarTo hand something over personally.
