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A1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

Eintreten

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces Eintreten en 30 secondes
Explication Eintreten in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'eintreten' is primarily learned as a polite way to say 'come in.' You will mostly see it in the imperative form: 'Treten Sie bitte ein!' (Please come in!). It is a separable verb, which means the 'ein' part goes to the end of the sentence. At this stage, you don't need to worry about all the complex meanings. Just remember that if you are at a doctor's office or a formal meeting and someone says 'Bitte eintreten,' they want you to walk into the room. It is also helpful to know that it is a 'strong verb,' meaning it changes its internal vowel in some forms, though at A1, you mostly just need the infinitive and the 'Sie' command form.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'eintreten' to describe simple actions like entering a building or a room using the preposition 'in.' You learn the structure 'in + accusative.' For example: 'Ich trete in das Haus ein.' You also begin to learn the perfect tense (Perfekt). Crucially, for 'eintreten,' you use 'sein' as the helping verb: 'Ich bin in das Zimmer eingetreten.' You might also encounter the word in the context of joining a club or a group, which is a common topic in A2 German courses. It’s important to start noticing the stem change in the present tense: 'er tritt ein.'
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At the B1 level, you expand your use of 'eintreten' to include more abstract meanings, such as an event occurring. You might see sentences like 'Ein Problem ist eingetreten' (A problem has occurred). You also learn the meaning 'to advocate for something' using the preposition 'für.' For example, 'Er tritt für den Umweltschutz ein' (He stands up for environmental protection). This is very useful for discussions and expressing opinions. You should also be comfortable with the simple past (Präteritum) form 'trat... ein,' which you will see in books and news reports. You are expected to distinguish between 'eintreten in' (joining/entering) and 'eintreten für' (supporting).
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'eintreten' in formal and professional contexts. This includes understanding its use in legal and medical language, such as 'der Eintritt des Todes' (the occurrence of death) or 'Versicherungsfall tritt ein' (the insurance case occurs). You should also be aware of the transitive usage where it means 'to kick in' something, using 'haben' as the auxiliary: 'Die Einbrecher haben das Fenster eingetreten.' At this level, your precision with prepositions (in vs. für) and auxiliary verbs (sein vs. haben) should be consistent. You also begin to appreciate the stylistic difference between 'eintreten' and its synonyms like 'betreten' or 'beitreten.'
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At the C1 level, you use 'eintreten' to express nuanced ideas in academic and literary contexts. You might discuss the 'Eintreten von Wirkungen' (the onset of effects) in a scientific paper or analyze a character's 'Eintreten in eine neue Phase' (entry into a new phase) in a novel. You understand the subtle connotations of 'eintreten' versus 'vorkommen' or 'erfolgen.' You can use the verb in complex sentence structures, including passive-like constructions or as a noun (substantiviertes Verb). Your mastery of the verb allows you to use it as a tool for formal argumentation, especially when advocating for complex social or political issues.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'eintreten.' You recognize it in archaic or highly specialized literary texts where it might have even more obscure meanings or poetic uses. You can use it with perfect precision in any register, from highly formal legal documents to creative writing. You are aware of its idiomatic uses and can play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. Whether you are writing a philosophical treatise on 'das Eintreten des Unvorhersehbaren' (the occurrence of the unpredictable) or delivering a powerful speech 'für die Wahrung der Menschenwürde eintretend,' the verb is a natural and versatile part of your vocabulary.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

Eintreten en 30 secondes

  • Eintreten means to enter or step into a space, often used as a polite invitation in formal settings like offices or homes.
  • It also means to join an organization or party, requiring the preposition 'in' and the accusative case for the group name.
  • The verb describes events or conditions occurring, such as a technical error, a medical state, or a change in the weather.
  • It can mean to advocate for a cause when used with 'für,' or to physically kick something in with force.
The German verb eintreten is a multifaceted gem of the German language, primarily functioning as a separable verb that English speakers often translate as 'to enter' or 'to step in.' At its most basic level, it describes the physical movement of a person crossing a threshold into a room or a building. However, the depth of this word extends far beyond simple locomotion. It encompasses the initiation of events, the joining of organizations, and even the physical act of kicking something down. In the context of daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently when being invited into someone's home or office. It carries a certain level of politeness and formality that distinguishes it from the more casual 'reinkommen.'
Physical Entry
The literal movement into a space, often requiring the preposition 'in' followed by the accusative case. For example, 'in das Zimmer eintreten' means to step into the room.

Darf ich eintreten?

Beyond the physical, eintreten is used extensively in formal and legal contexts to describe the occurrence of an event. If a medical condition 'tritt ein' (occurs), it signifies the start of that state. Similarly, in insurance law, the 'Eintritt des Versicherungsfalls' refers to the moment the insured event actually happens. This nuance is crucial for learners to understand because it shifts the focus from a person's action to the spontaneous manifestation of a circumstance.
Membership and Advocacy
To join a club, political party, or organization, one 'tritt in den Verein ein.' Furthermore, with the preposition 'für,' it means to advocate or stand up for a cause, such as 'für Menschenrechte eintreten.'

Er ist gestern in die Partei eingetreten.

In more aggressive contexts, eintreten can mean to kick in a door or a window. This usage is transitive and takes the auxiliary 'haben.' For example, 'Die Polizei hat die Tür eingetreten.' This stark contrast between a polite invitation to enter and the violent act of kicking in a door highlights the importance of context and object usage.
Occurrence and Events
Used for abstract things like death, changes in weather, or the fulfillment of a prophecy. 'Der Tod trat plötzlich ein' (Death occurred suddenly).

Wir müssen für unsere Rechte eintreten.

Der Ernstfall ist eingetreten.

Understanding 'eintreten' requires recognizing it as a gateway verb—it opens doors to physical spaces, social circles, and legal realities. Whether you are a student entering a classroom or a citizen standing up for justice, this verb provides the necessary linguistic framework to describe the transition from the outside to the inside, or from potentiality to actuality.
Using eintreten correctly involves mastering its separable nature and its varied meanings across different grammatical structures. As a separable verb, the prefix 'ein-' migrates to the end of the sentence in the present and simple past tenses. For example, 'Ich trete in das Haus ein.' This can be confusing for beginners who expect the verb to stay together. In the perfect tense, it uses the auxiliary 'sein' for most meanings, forming 'ist eingetreten.' However, when it means to kick something in, it uses 'haben,' as in 'hat eingetreten.'
Present Tense Construction
In main clauses, the prefix 'ein' goes to the end. 'Er tritt in den Saal ein.' In subordinate clauses, it stays together: '... weil er in den Saal eintritt.'

Bitte treten Sie ein!

When discussing membership, eintreten is almost always followed by the preposition 'in' and a noun in the accusative case. 'Sie tritt in den Sportverein ein.' This indicates the movement into the organization. If you are advocating for something, you use 'für' plus the accusative. 'Wir treten für den Umweltschutz ein.' This abstract usage is common in political speeches and debates.
The Perfect Tense (Movement/Event)
Used with 'sein.' 'Die Wirkung ist nach zehn Minuten eingetreten.' (The effect occurred after ten minutes.)

Wann ist der Fehler eingetreten?

In the simple past (Präteritum), the verb changes its stem to 'trat...ein.' This is more common in written narratives or formal reports. 'Er trat leise in das Zimmer ein.' For learners, focusing on the present tense and the perfect tense covers 90% of daily communication.
Physical Force (Transitive)
When the verb means to kick something in, it takes a direct object. 'Er hat die Scheibe eingetreten.' (He kicked in the window pane.)

Der Einbrecher hat die Tür eingetreten.

Sie tritt mutig für ihre Kollegen ein.

Ist schon eine Besserung eingetreten?

Finally, pay attention to the stem change in the second and third person singular: 'du trittst ein,' 'er/sie/es tritt ein.' The 'e' changes to 'i.' This is a common feature of many strong German verbs and is essential for sounding natural.
The word eintreten is ubiquitous in German-speaking environments, appearing in both mundane and highly significant contexts. If you visit a doctor’s office or a government building in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, you will often hear the receptionist or official say, 'Bitte treten Sie ein.' This is the standard polite way to invite someone into a room. It sounds more professional and welcoming than 'Kommen Sie rein,' which you might hear at a friend’s house. In these professional settings, 'eintreten' establishes a clear boundary between the waiting area and the private consultation space. In the news, eintreten is the go-to verb for reporting on political shifts. When a politician joins a new party or when a country enters an international agreement, journalists use 'eintreten.' You’ll hear phrases like 'Der Politiker ist in die neue Fraktion eingetreten' or 'Schweden ist in die NATO eingetreten.' This highlights the verb’s role in describing formal transitions of status and membership. Furthermore, in weather reports or news about natural disasters, you’ll hear it used for the occurrence of events. 'Die Flut ist früher eingetreten als erwartet' (The flood occurred earlier than expected). This usage conveys a sense of inevitability or scientific observation. On the sports field, particularly in football (soccer), a commentator might use 'eintreten' when a player is substituted into the game, although 'eingewechselt' is more common. However, if a player is particularly vocal in defending a teammate, the commentator might say they are 'für ihren Mitspieler eingetreten.' In literature and film, 'eintreten' often marks a dramatic turning point. A character might 'in ein neues Leben eintreten' (enter a new life), signaling a major thematic shift. Even in technology, you might see it in system logs or error messages: 'Ein unerwarteter Fehler ist eingetreten' (An unexpected error has occurred). This versatility makes it one of the most useful verbs for a learner to master, as it bridges the gap between everyday politeness, formal reporting, and abstract conceptualization. Whether you are reading a newspaper, watching a crime drama where a door is 'eingetreten' by the police, or simply waiting for your turn at the dentist, you will find this word to be an essential part of the linguistic landscape. It is a word that describes movement—not just of bodies, but of events, ideas, and legal states.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with eintreten is confusing it with its close relative, 'betreten.' While both can be translated as 'to enter,' they are grammatically distinct. 'Betreten' is a transitive verb that takes a direct accusative object without a preposition. You say, 'Ich betrete den Raum.' In contrast, 'eintreten' usually requires the preposition 'in' plus the accusative: 'Ich trete in den Raum ein.' Using 'eintreten' without 'in' when referring to a room is a common error that sounds jarring to native speakers. Another major hurdle is the choice of the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Most learners default to 'haben,' but since 'eintreten' usually involves a change of place or state, it requires 'sein.' Saying 'Ich habe in den Verein eingetreten' is incorrect; it must be 'Ich bin in den Verein eingetreten.' The only exception is when you are physically kicking something in, like a door, where 'haben' is used: 'Er hat die Tür eingetreten.' This distinction is vital for accuracy. Furthermore, the separable nature of the verb causes issues. Learners often forget to move the 'ein-' to the end of the sentence or forget to include it entirely. 'Ich trete das Zimmer' means 'I kick the room,' which is nonsensical, whereas 'Ich trete in das Zimmer ein' is correct. The stem change in the present tense—from 'e' to 'i'—is also a frequent point of failure. Beginners might say 'er tretet ein' instead of the correct 'er tritt ein.' This irregularity is a common feature of many strong verbs and must be memorized. Lastly, learners often struggle with the prepositional usage for advocacy. Using 'für' correctly is essential. Some might try to use 'helfen' or 'unterstützen,' which are fine, but 'für jemanden eintreten' carries a specific nuance of standing up for someone in a defensive or supportive way. Confusing this with 'eintreten in' (joining) can lead to significant misunderstandings. For instance, 'Ich trete für die Partei ein' (I advocate for the party) vs. 'Ich trete in die Partei ein' (I am joining the party). Mastering these subtle differences in prepositions and auxiliary verbs is the key to moving from a basic to an advanced level of German proficiency.
To truly master eintreten, it is helpful to compare it with other verbs that occupy similar semantic space. The most obvious alternative is reinkommen. While 'reinkommen' also means to come in, it is much more colloquial and informal. You would use it with friends or family, whereas 'eintreten' is more appropriate in professional or formal settings. Another important comparison is with betreten. As mentioned previously, 'betreten' is used without a preposition and often focuses on the act of stepping onto a surface or into a space in a more formal or administrative sense. For example, 'Das Betreten der Baustelle ist verboten' (Entering the construction site is forbidden).
Eintreten vs. Passieren
When 'eintreten' means 'to occur,' it can often be replaced by 'passieren' or 'vorkommen.' However, 'eintreten' is usually used for expected or official events (like an insurance case or a change in weather), while 'passieren' is more general and often used for accidents or random occurrences.
If you are talking about joining an organization, you might use beitreten. In many cases, 'beitreten' and 'eintreten' are interchangeable when referring to clubs or parties ('einem Verein beitreten' vs. 'in einen Verein eintreten'). However, 'beitreten' uses the dative case without a preposition, while 'eintreten' uses 'in' plus the accusative. For advocacy, synonyms include sich einsetzen für or verfechten. 'Sich einsetzen für' is very common and sounds slightly more active and personal than 'eintreten für.'
Eintreten vs. Hineingehen
'Hineingehen' focuses purely on the physical movement of going inside. It lacks the formal invitation nuance of 'eintreten' and the abstract meanings of occurrence or advocacy.
Finally, for the meaning of 'to kick in,' you could use aufbrechen or einschlagen, depending on the method. 'Aufbrechen' is more general for breaking something open, while 'eintreten' specifically denotes the use of the foot. By understanding these alternatives, a learner can choose the most precise word for their specific context, whether they are inviting a guest, joining a union, or describing a sudden change in the weather.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

While 'eintreten' means to step in, the related word 'Eintritt' is one of the first words tourists learn in Germany because it appears on signs for museums and cinemas ('Eintritt frei' - admission free).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈaɪ̯nˌtʁeːtn̩/
US /ˈaɪ̯nˌtʁeɪtn̩/
The primary stress is on the prefix 'ein', which is typical for German separable verbs.
Rime avec
beitreten austreten vertreten beteten Kometen Magneten Propheten Planeten
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'ein' like 'een'.
  • Failing to make the 'e' in 'treten' long.
  • Over-pronouncing the final 'en' instead of making it a syllabic 'n'.
  • Putting the stress on 'treten' instead of 'ein'.
  • Mishandling the guttural 'r' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but abstract meanings can be tricky.

Écriture 4/5

Requires knowledge of separable prefixes, stem changes, and 'sein' conjugation.

Expression orale 3/5

Separable prefix placement and stem changes (trittst/tritt) need practice.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but the 'ein' can sometimes be swallowed in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

treten gehen kommen in für

Apprends ensuite

beitreten austreten vertreten erscheinen vorkommen

Avancé

verfechten manifestieren partizipieren konstituieren

Grammaire à connaître

Separable Verbs

Ich trete ein. (The prefix 'ein' goes to the end in main clauses.)

Strong Verb Stem Change

du trittst, er tritt (e changes to i in 2nd and 3rd person singular).

Perfect Tense with 'sein'

Ich bin eingetreten. (Used for verbs indicating a change of place or state.)

Prepositions with Accusative

in den Raum, für die Freiheit (Both 'in' and 'für' take the accusative here.)

Präteritum of Strong Verbs

er trat ein (The stem changes from 'treten' to 'trat').

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Exemples par niveau

1

Bitte treten Sie ein!

Please come in!

Imperative form (formal).

2

Darf ich eintreten?

May I come in?

Infinitive with modal verb.

3

Er tritt in das Zimmer ein.

He is entering the room.

Present tense, separable verb.

4

Wir treten jetzt ein.

We are entering now.

First person plural, present tense.

5

Tritt bitte ein!

Please come in (informal)!

Imperative form (informal).

6

Wann treten wir ein?

When do we enter?

Question structure.

7

Sie treten leise ein.

They enter quietly.

Adverbial usage.

8

Hier bitte eintreten.

Enter here, please.

Short instruction.

1

Ich bin in den Verein eingetreten.

I joined the club.

Perfect tense with 'sein'.

2

Sie tritt in die Küche ein.

She enters the kitchen.

Present tense with stem change (e -> i).

3

Bist du in die Schule eingetreten?

Did you enter the school?

Perfect tense question.

4

Wir sind gestern in das neue Haus eingetreten.

We entered the new house yesterday.

Perfect tense with time indicator.

5

Trittst du in den Club ein?

Are you joining the club?

Present tense question with stem change.

6

Der Lehrer tritt in die Klasse ein.

The teacher enters the class.

Subject-verb agreement.

7

Sie sind in den Garten eingetreten.

They entered the garden.

Perfect tense plural.

8

Ich möchte in den Chor eintreten.

I would like to join the choir.

Modal verb 'möchte' + infinitive.

1

Wir müssen für unsere Rechte eintreten.

We must stand up for our rights.

Usage with 'für' (advocacy).

2

Ein technischer Fehler ist eingetreten.

A technical error has occurred.

Meaning: to occur/happen.

3

Er trat in die politische Partei ein.

He joined the political party.

Simple past (Präteritum).

4

Wann ist die Besserung eingetreten?

When did the improvement occur?

Perfect tense with abstract subject.

5

Sie tritt mutig für ihre Freunde ein.

She bravely stands up for her friends.

Present tense with adverb.

6

Der Winter ist dieses Jahr früh eingetreten.

Winter occurred early this year.

Abstract usage for seasons.

7

Ich bin für eine Verkürzung der Arbeitszeit eingetreten.

I advocated for a reduction in working hours.

Perfect tense with 'für'.

8

Falls Probleme eintreten, rufen Sie mich an.

If problems occur, call me.

Conditional clause.

1

Die Polizei hat die Wohnungstür eingetreten.

The police kicked in the apartment door.

Transitive usage (to kick in) with 'haben'.

2

Es ist eine deutliche Veränderung eingetreten.

A significant change has occurred.

Perfect tense with abstract noun.

3

Wir treten konsequent für den Klimaschutz ein.

We consistently advocate for climate protection.

Use of 'konsequent' as an adverb.

4

Der Versicherungsfall ist leider eingetreten.

The insurance case has unfortunately occurred.

Formal/Legal context.

5

Nach dem Unfall trat der Tod sofort ein.

After the accident, death occurred immediately.

Medical/Formal report style.

6

Sie ist in die Verhandlungen eingetreten.

She has entered the negotiations.

Metaphorical entry.

7

Man muss für seine Überzeugungen eintreten.

One must stand up for one's convictions.

General statement with 'man'.

8

Er hat die Scheibe aus Wut eingetreten.

He kicked in the window pane out of anger.

Transitive usage with 'haben'.

1

Trotz aller Vorsichtsmaßnahmen ist der Ernstfall eingetreten.

Despite all precautions, the emergency has occurred.

Complex sentence with prepositional phrase.

2

Die Regierung tritt für eine Reform des Bildungssystems ein.

The government is advocating for a reform of the education system.

Formal political context.

3

Mit der neuen Gesetzgebung tritt eine Wende ein.

A turning point is occurring with the new legislation.

Abstract usage in a formal context.

4

Es ist fraglich, ob die gewünschte Wirkung eintreten wird.

It is questionable whether the desired effect will occur.

Subordinate clause with 'ob' and future tense.

5

Er trat vehement für die Rechte der Minderheiten ein.

He advocated vehemently for the rights of minorities.

Use of the strong adverb 'vehement'.

6

In der Geschichte treten solche Ereignisse selten ein.

In history, such events occur rarely.

Historical/Academic context.

7

Nach der Wahl trat eine Phase der Instabilität ein.

After the election, a phase of instability occurred.

Präteritum in a narrative context.

8

Sie sind in eine neue Ära der Technologie eingetreten.

They have entered a new era of technology.

Metaphorical usage for 'era'.

1

Das Eintreten unvorhergesehener Umstände zwang uns zum Handeln.

The occurrence of unforeseen circumstances forced us to act.

Nominalization (Gerund) of the verb.

2

Philosophisch betrachtet tritt der Mensch täglich in neue Welten ein.

Philosophically speaking, humans enter new worlds every day.

Abstract, philosophical usage.

3

Die Prophezeiung ist schließlich so eingetreten, wie vorhergesagt.

The prophecy finally occurred exactly as predicted.

Literary/Mystical context.

4

Wir müssen für die Unantastbarkeit der Menschenwürde eintreten.

We must advocate for the inviolability of human dignity.

High-level ethical/legal discourse.

5

Ein Schweigen trat ein, das die Anwesenden bedrückte.

A silence occurred that oppressed those present.

Literary description of atmosphere.

6

Es gilt, für die Werte der Aufklärung einzutreten.

It is necessary to stand up for the values of the Enlightenment.

Fixed expression 'Es gilt, ... zu ...'.

7

Sollte der Ernstfall eintreten, sind wir vorbereitet.

Should the emergency occur, we are prepared.

Subjunctive/Conditional structure.

8

In seinem Werk tritt das Motiv der Einsamkeit immer wieder ein.

In his work, the motif of loneliness occurs repeatedly.

Literary analysis context.

Synonymes

betreten reinkommen beitreten passieren vorkommen sich einsetzen für hineingehen erfolgen

Antonymes

austreten verlassen ausbleiben schließen

Collocations courantes

in einen Verein eintreten
für jemanden eintreten
der Tod tritt ein
ein Fehler ist eingetreten
die Tür eintreten
in eine Phase eintreten
eine Besserung tritt ein
in Verhandlungen eintreten
eine Wirkung tritt ein
der Ernstfall tritt ein

Phrases Courantes

Bitte eintreten!

— A standard polite invitation to enter a room, often seen on signs or heard in offices.

An der Tür stand ein Schild: 'Bitte eintreten!'

In Kraft treten

— Used for laws or regulations becoming valid or effective.

Das neue Gesetz tritt am ersten Januar in Kraft.

In Erscheinung treten

— To appear or become visible, often used for trends or people.

Er ist bisher kaum in Erscheinung getreten.

Für eine Sache eintreten

— To support or champion a specific cause or idea.

Sie tritt leidenschaftlich für den Tierschutz ein.

In Kontakt eintreten

— To establish contact with someone, usually in a formal way.

Wir möchten mit Ihnen in Kontakt eintreten.

In das Erwachsenenalter eintreten

— To reach adulthood or a new life stage.

Mit 18 Jahren tritt man in das Erwachsenenalter ein.

In ein Gespräch eintreten

— To begin a conversation with someone.

Es war schwierig, mit ihm in ein Gespräch einzutreten.

Einen Schaden eintreten lassen

— To allow damage to occur, often used in insurance contexts.

Man sollte den Schaden nicht vorsätzlich eintreten lassen.

In Vorleistung eintreten

— To pay or perform in advance before the other party does.

Die Firma musste in Vorleistung eintreten.

In die Pedale treten

— Though related to 'treten', it means to pedal hard on a bike.

Du musst mehr in die Pedale treten!

Souvent confondu avec

Eintreten vs betreten

Betreten doesn't use 'in' and is used for stepping on surfaces. Eintreten uses 'in' and means stepping into a space.

Eintreten vs beitreten

Beitreten is specifically for joining organizations and takes the dative case. Eintreten is broader and uses 'in' + accusative.

Eintreten vs vertreten

Vertreten means to represent someone or something, not to enter it.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Offene Türen einrennen"

— To argue for something that everyone already agrees with. Not using 'eintreten' but related to 'ein-' and 'treten'.

Mit diesem Vorschlag rennst du bei mir offene Türen ein.

informal
"In ein Fettnäpfchen treten"

— To put one's foot in it; to make an embarrassing social mistake.

Ich bin gestern wieder in ein Fettnäpfchen getreten.

informal
"Jemandem zu nahe treten"

— To offend someone or overstep their personal boundaries.

Ich wollte Ihnen nicht zu nahe treten.

neutral
"In jemandes Fußstapfen treten"

— To follow in someone's footsteps.

Er tritt in die Fußstapfen seines Vaters.

neutral
"Auf der Stelle treten"

— To make no progress; to stay in the same spot.

Das Projekt tritt seit Wochen auf der Stelle.

neutral
"Kürzer treten"

— To slow down or cut back on activities/spending.

Er muss gesundheitlich etwas kürzer treten.

neutral
"In den Streik treten"

— To go on strike.

Die Lokführer sind in den Streik getreten.

neutral
"In den Ruhestand treten"

— To retire.

Sie tritt nächsten Monat in den Ruhestand.

formal
"In Aktion treten"

— To spring into action.

Der Rettungsdienst muss sofort in Aktion treten.

neutral
"Den Beweis antreten"

— To provide proof (related verb antreten).

Er muss erst den Beweis antreten.

formal

Facile à confondre

Eintreten vs austreten

It is the opposite of eintreten.

Eintreten is entering or joining; austreten is leaving or resigning.

Er ist aus der Kirche ausgetreten.

Eintreten vs auftreten

Similar prefix and root.

Auftreten means to appear (on stage) or to behave in a certain way.

Sie tritt heute Abend im Theater auf.

Eintreten vs antreten

Similar prefix and root.

Antreten means to start a job, a journey, or a competition.

Er tritt seine neue Stelle am Montag an.

Eintreten vs vortreten

Similar prefix and root.

Vortreten means to step forward.

Bitte treten Sie einen Schritt vor.

Eintreten vs zurücktreten

Similar prefix and root.

Zurücktreten means to step back or to resign from an office.

Der Minister ist zurückgetreten.

Structures de phrases

A1

Bitte treten Sie [Location] ein.

Bitte treten Sie in das Büro ein.

A2

Ich bin in [Organization] eingetreten.

Ich bin in den Fußballclub eingetreten.

B1

Ein [Event] ist eingetreten.

Ein technisches Problem ist eingetreten.

B1

Wir treten für [Cause] ein.

Wir treten für bessere Schulen ein.

B2

Jemand hat [Object] eingetreten.

Er hat die Kellertür eingetreten.

C1

Es ist fraglich, ob [Subject] eintreten wird.

Es ist fraglich, ob der Erfolg eintreten wird.

C2

Das Eintreten von [Genitive]...

Das Eintreten der Dunkelheit überraschte uns.

C2

Es gilt, für [Values] einzutreten.

Es gilt, für die Menschenwürde einzutreten.

Famille de mots

Noms

Eintritt
Eintretende
Eintrittskarte
Eintrittsgeld

Verbes

treten
austreten
beitreten
vertreten
antreten
auftreten

Adjectifs

eintretend

Apparenté

Tretlager
Tritt
Eingang
Hineingehen
Vorkommnis
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in formal, technical, and news contexts; medium in casual daily speech.

Erreurs courantes
  • Ich habe in das Zimmer eingetreten. → Ich bin in das Zimmer eingetreten.

    Since entering a room involves a change of place, you must use the auxiliary verb 'sein' in the perfect tense.

  • Ich trete das Zimmer ein. → Ich trete in das Zimmer ein.

    Without the preposition 'in', 'eintreten' means to kick something in. You are not kicking the room; you are entering it.

  • Er tretet in den Verein ein. → Er tritt in den Verein ein.

    The verb 'treten' is a strong verb and undergoes a stem change (e to i) in the 3rd person singular.

  • Ich trete für den Verein ein. → Ich trete in den Verein ein.

    Use 'in' to join an organization. Use 'für' to advocate for a cause. Unless you are supporting the club's rights, 'in' is correct.

  • Ein Fehler hat eingetreten. → Ein Fehler ist eingetreten.

    When 'eintreten' means 'to occur' (a change of state), it requires the auxiliary verb 'sein'.

Astuces

Separable Verb Rule

Always remember that 'ein' goes to the very end of the sentence in the present tense. 'Ich trete in den Club ein.' Even if you add adverbs or objects, 'ein' stays at the end.

The 'In' Rule

When using 'eintreten' for physical spaces, always pair it with 'in' and the accusative case. This is the most natural way to use the verb.

Formal Politeness

Use 'Bitte treten Sie ein' when inviting a guest into your office or a formal meeting. It shows you have a good command of German social etiquette.

Stem Change Alert

Don't forget the 'e' to 'i' change in the present tense for 'du' and 'er/sie/es'. It's 'du trittst' and 'er tritt'. This is a very common mistake for beginners.

Advocacy

To sound like a more advanced speaker, use 'für ... eintreten' instead of just 'helfen' or 'unterstützen' when talking about social causes.

Auxiliary Choice

Use 'sein' for movement and events. Use 'haben' for physical force (kicking). This distinction is a key marker of advanced German proficiency.

Long 'e'

The 'e' in 'treten' is long. Make sure you don't pronounce it like a short 'e'. It should sound like the 'e' in 'pet' but held longer, almost like 'tray' without the 'y'.

Legal/Formal Usage

In formal reports, use 'eintreten' for events occurring. It sounds much more professional than 'passieren'.

Word Family

Learn 'Eintritt' (admission) alongside 'eintreten'. They are often used together in cultural contexts.

Visual Cue

Picture a door opening and a foot stepping in. The foot is 'treten', the movement 'ein'. This simple image will help you remember the word's primary meaning.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are 'EYEING' (ein) a 'TRAY' (tre) of food as you 'TEN' (ten) step into the room. 'Ein-treten'!

Association visuelle

Visualize a person's foot crossing a wooden threshold. The foot is the 'treten' and the crossing over is the 'ein'.

Word Web

Tür Verein Fehler Rechte Zimmer Eintritt Passieren Beitreten

Défi

Try to use 'eintreten' in three different ways today: once for entering a room, once for joining a group, and once for an event happening.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'intrëten', which comes from Old High German 'intretan'. It is a combination of the prefix 'ein-' (into) and the verb 'treten' (to step/tread).

Sens originel : The literal meaning has always been 'to step into' something.

Germanic, related to English 'tread' and 'in'.

Contexte culturel

Be careful using 'Tür eintreten' as it implies violence or police action. In social settings, always use 'in das Zimmer eintreten' or 'reinkommen'.

English speakers might just say 'come in' or 'happen', but German uses 'eintreten' to add a layer of formality or specificity.

The phrase 'Bitte eintreten' is a common trope in German cinema when a protagonist visits a mysterious doctor or official. Political speeches often use 'Wir treten für...' to rally supporters. Insurance commercials frequently mention the 'Eintritt des Schadensfalls'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Doctor's Office

  • Bitte treten Sie ein.
  • Darf ich eintreten?
  • Wann ist die Besserung eingetreten?
  • Treten Sie bitte in das Behandlungszimmer ein.

Joining a Club

  • Ich möchte in den Verein eintreten.
  • Wann bist du eingetreten?
  • Wie kann ich eintreten?
  • Er ist gestern in die Partei eingetreten.

Political Discussion

  • Wir treten für Gerechtigkeit ein.
  • Sie tritt für die Umwelt ein.
  • Dafür müssen wir eintreten.
  • Wer tritt für dieses Gesetz ein?

Technical Support

  • Ein Fehler ist eingetreten.
  • Wann ist das Problem eingetreten?
  • Es ist eine Verzögerung eingetreten.
  • Der Ernstfall ist eingetreten.

Home/Social

  • Tritt bitte ein!
  • Darf ich kurz eintreten?
  • Er trat leise in das Zimmer ein.
  • Komm, tritt ein!

Amorces de conversation

"Wann bist du in deinen aktuellen Sportverein eingetreten?"

"Für welche politischen Ziele würdest du aktiv eintreten?"

"Ist bei dir schon einmal ein technischer Fehler während einer Präsentation eingetreten?"

"Wie oft trittst du in Kontakt mit neuen Leuten in deiner Stadt?"

"Was tust du, wenn ein unerwarteter Ernstfall in deinem Leben eintritt?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du mutig für jemanden anderen eingetreten bist.

In welchen Verein oder welche Organisation würdest du gerne eintreten und warum?

Reflektiere über eine große Veränderung, die in deinem Leben eingetreten ist.

Was bedeutet es für dich, für deine eigenen Werte einzutreten?

Stell dir vor, du trittst in eine Zeitmaschine ein. In welches Jahr würdest du reisen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it uses 'sein' when it means to enter a room, join a club, or when an event occurs. However, it uses 'haben' when it means to physically kick something in (like a door). For example: 'Er hat die Tür eingetreten' vs. 'Er ist in den Raum eingetreten'.

'Betreten' is a transitive verb and takes a direct object: 'Ich betrete den Raum.' 'Eintreten' is usually intransitive and needs a preposition: 'Ich trete in den Raum ein.' 'Betreten' also sounds slightly more formal or administrative.

It is a strong verb with a stem change: ich trete ein, du trittst ein, er/sie/es tritt ein, wir treten ein, ihr tretet ein, sie treten ein.

Yes, it is very common. You say 'in eine Partei eintreten'. For example: 'Sie ist 2010 in die SPD eingetreten'.

It means to advocate for or stand up for something. For example, 'für die Umwelt eintreten' means to support environmental causes.

Yes, it is more formal than 'reinkommen'. You will hear it in offices, news reports, and formal speeches.

The most common noun is 'der Eintritt', which means entry or admission. 'Das Eintreten' can also be used as a gerund to mean 'the occurrence'.

You use 'die Tür eintreten'. In the perfect tense, this is 'hat die Tür eingetreten'.

The simple past (Präteritum) is 'trat... ein'. For example: 'Er trat in das Zimmer ein'.

Yes, it is often used for the onset of weather conditions. 'Der Frost ist eingetreten' means the frost has set in.

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Teste-toi 200 questions

writing

Translate to German: 'Please come in!'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to German: 'I joined the club yesterday.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'An error has occurred.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'We stand up for our rights.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'The police kicked in the door.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'He enters the room quietly.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'When will the law become active?'

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writing

Translate to German: 'May I enter?'

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writing

Translate to German: 'She advocated for her colleague.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'A change has occurred.'

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writing

Translate to German: 'They are entering a new era.'

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writing

Write a sentence using 'eintreten' in the perfect tense.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'eintreten' meaning 'to advocate'.

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writing

Translate: 'The death occurred at 5 PM.'

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writing

Translate: 'He kicked the window in.'

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writing

Translate: 'Are you joining the party?'

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writing

Translate: 'A technical problem occurred.'

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writing

Translate: 'Enter here.' (Instruction)

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writing

Translate: 'We must stand up for the truth.'

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writing

Translate: 'The prophecy came true (occurred).'

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speaking

Say 'Please come in!' in a formal way.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell someone you joined a club last week.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask if you may enter a room.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

State that an error has occurred on your computer.

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speaking

Say that you stand up for human rights.

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speaking

Explain that the police had to kick in the door.

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speaking

Ask a friend if they are joining the party (political).

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speaking

Say that the law comes into force tomorrow.

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speaking

Describe that a silence occurred in the room.

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speaking

Invite a friend to come in (informal).

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speaking

Say that you would like to join the choir.

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speaking

State that an improvement in health has occurred.

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speaking

Say that someone follows in their mother's footsteps.

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speaking

Ask when the event occurred.

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speaking

Tell someone to enter through the back door.

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speaking

Say you are advocating for a shorter work week.

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speaking

Explain that an unexpected case has occurred.

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speaking

Say that he kicked in the window out of anger.

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speaking

Say that we are entering a new phase.

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speaking

Ask if the membership is free.

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listening

Transcript: 'Bitte treten Sie doch ein, Herr Müller.' Who is being invited?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Ich bin gestern in die SPD eingetreten.' What did the speaker join?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Ein Fehler ist im System eingetreten.' Where did the error occur?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Wir treten konsequent für den Umweltschutz ein.' What do they support?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Die Beamten haben die Tür eingetreten.' Who kicked in the door?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Der Eintritt kostet fünf Euro.' How much is the admission?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Wann ist die Wirkung eingetreten?' What is the speaker asking about?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Er trat leise in das Zimmer.' How did he enter?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Das Gesetz tritt bald in Kraft.' What is happening soon?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Trittst du in den Verein ein?' What is the question?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Eine Besserung ist eingetreten.' Is the situation worse?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Darf ich eintreten?' What is being requested?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Er hat die Scheibe eingetreten.' What was broken?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Wir treten für Gerechtigkeit ein.' What is their cause?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Transcript: 'Der Ernstfall ist eingetreten.' Is this a drill?

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 200 correct

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