einlösen

Meaning (English):

1. to redeem / to cash in (something with a value or entitlement)

   • e.g., einen Gutschein einlösen = to redeem a voucher
   • Punkte einlösen = to redeem points
   • ein Ticket einlösen = to exchange/validate a ticket (depending on context)

2. to fulfill / to keep (a promise, obligation, expectation)

   • e.g., ein Versprechen einlösen = to fulfill/keep a promise
   • eine Zusage einlösen = to honor a commitment

3. (older/literary) to free / to liberate / to ransom

   • e.g., jemanden aus der Gefangenschaft einlösen = to ransom/free someone

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Word parts

• lösen = to loosen, solve, release
• ein- (prefix) = “in / into” or indicates completion of an action
  Together, einlösen suggests “to release/convert something into its intended value” (redeeming) or “to make something ‘come true’” (fulfilling).

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German synonyms

For “redeem/cash in”:

• einlösen (most common)
• geltend machen (to claim, assert)
• abholen (to collect; often for prizes)
• umtauschen (to exchange; sometimes used for vouchers/tickets)
• beanspruchen (to claim; more formal)

For “fulfill/keep”:

• erfüllen (to fulfill)
• halten (ein Versprechen halten = keep a promise)
• einhalten (to comply with/keep; rules, deadlines, agreements)
• wahr machen (to make true; ein Versprechen wahr machen)

For “free/ransom”:

• befreien (to free)
• freikaufen (to buy someone’s freedom)
• erlösen (to redeem/save; often religious or figurative)

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German antonyms (where applicable)

Opposite of “fulfill/keep”:

• brechen (ein Versprechen brechen = break a promise)
• nicht einhalten (not keep/comply with)
• enttäuschen (to disappoint; often the result of not fulfilling)

Opposite of “redeem/cash in”:

• No single fixed opposite, but depending on context:
  • verfallen lassen (to let expire, e.g., a voucher)
  • nicht einlösen (not redeem)

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Common usage notes

• Very common collocations: Gutschein einlösen, Coupon einlösen, Pfand einlösen, Versprechen einlösen.
• The object usually makes the meaning clear: a Gutschein is redeemed; a Versprechen is fulfilled.