German word

einfahren

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯nˌfaːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbbreak in

Example

Wir fahren den neuen Wagen langsam ein.

We are slowly breaking in the new car.

Illustration for einfahren (break in)

More examples

Nach der Fusion fährt das Unternehmen schrittweise eine neue Routine ein.

Following the merger, the company gradually establishes a new routine.

Core concept

A vehicle moves inward or makes repeated controlled trips until its moving parts run smoothly.

Common phrases

  • fährt eine Routine ein

    establishes a routine

  • fährt das System schrittweise ein

    gradually phases in the system

Similar words

eingewöhnen: Gradually become accustomed to a new environment or routine.
einspielen: Practise with equipment or a team until operation or coordination runs smoothly.
anlaufen: Begin operating and start running, especially for a machine or system.

Definition in German

Durch wiederholtes, kontrolliertes Fahren ein neues Fahrzeug oder dessen Teile an den Betrieb gewöhnen.

Word origin

The separable compound combines ein, meaning inward, with fahren, meaning travel or drive, and its uses developed from driving in to breaking in a vehicle.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, it appears as fahren ... ein in main clauses, as in Wir fahren den Wagen langsam ein.

Other meanings

  • drive inverb
  • arriveverb

Opposites

Related words

  • das Einfahrenrunning-innoun
  • eingefahrensettledadjective

Word lists with this word