der  Import

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɪmˈpɔʁt/

🌍 What exactly is 'der Import'?

Der Import (noun, masculine) refers to the import of goods or services from abroad into the home country. It's a central term in Außenhandel (foreign trade) and economics.

Imagine Germany buying bananas from Ecuador – that's an Import.

There is only this one article for the word "Import": der.

📊 Grammar & Declension of 'der Import'

The noun "Import" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Der Import von exotischen Früchten steigt jährlich.
   (The import of exotic fruits increases annually.)
2. Die Regierung hat neue Regelungen für den Import beschlossen.
   (The government has decided on new regulations for import.)
3. Wir müssen die Kosten des Imports genau kalkulieren.
   (We must calculate the costs of the import precisely.)
4. Viele Unternehmen sind auf Importe angewiesen.
   (Many companies depend on imports.)

🚢 When to use 'Import'?

The term "Import" is primarily used in economic and trade policy contexts. It describes the process or result of bringing goods or services across a national border.

• Wirtschaftsnachrichten (Business News): "Deutschlands Importe aus China sind im letzten Quartal gesunken." (Germany's imports from China decreased last quarter.)
• Unternehmenskontext (Company Context): "Unsere Firma spezialisiert sich auf den Import von italienischem Olivenöl." (Our company specializes in the import of Italian olive oil.)
• Allgemein (General): When discussing international trade relations.

Contrast: The direct opposite of Import is der Export (export).

⚠️ Sometimes, importing data into computer systems is colloquially referred to as "Import", but this derives from the English verb "to import".

💡 How to remember 'der Import'

• For the article (der): Think of der container that brings the goods for the Import. Many German nouns ending in "-ort" are masculine (der Ort - the place, der Sport - the sport, der Transport - the transport...).
• For the meaning (import/Einfuhr): Goods arrive im Land (in the country) via Transport – that's the Import.

Imagine a ship (der Dampfer - the steamer) unloading goods im Hafen (in the harbor).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Could be confused with: Don't confuse with "imponieren" (to impress) or words like "Report" (report).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Zollbeamte den LKW-Fahrer: "Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?" Sagt der Fahrer: "Nein, alles nur für den Privat-Import... meiner Spedition!" 😉

(The customs officer asks the truck driver: "Do you have anything to declare?"
The driver says: "No, it's all just for the private import... of my shipping company!")

📜 Poem about Import

Von fernem Land, über das Meer,
kommt manches Gut zu uns hierher.
Container groß, das Schiff beladen,
nennt man's Import, ohne Schaden.
Kaffee, Technik, Seide fein,
so kommt die Welt zu uns herein.

(From distant land, across the sea,
many goods come here to us, you see.
Containers large, the ship well-laden,
it's called Import, no harm is shapen.
Coffee, tech, and silk so fine,
thus the world enters, making it thine.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bringe Waren über die Grenz',
von fernen Orten, ohne Karenz.
Mein Gegenteil schickt sie wieder fort.
Wie heiß ich? Das maskuline Wort?

(I bring goods across the border,
from distant places, in short order.
My opposite sends them away again.
What's my name? The masculine noun then?)

Solution: der Import

🧩 Additional Information

Wortherkunft (Etymology): The word "Import" comes from the Latin verb importare, meaning "to carry in" or "to bring in" (in = into, portare = to carry).

Zusammensetzungen (Compounds):

• Importeur: Person or company that imports (importer).
• Importware: Goods that have been imported (imported goods).
• Importbeschränkung: Regulation limiting imports (import restriction).
• Importzoll: Tax on imported goods (import duty/tariff).