Einschließlich

Einschließlich is a German preposition and adverb meaning "including" or "inclusive of." It introduces elements that are part of a larger whole and signals that these elements are already counted or covered by the stated total. In formal and technical writing it commonly accompanies a genitive phrase.

Grammar and usage: As a preposition, einschließlich governs the genitive. Typical constructions are "einschließlich der Kosten," "einschließlich der Mehrwertsteuer." It can appear directly after the noun it modifies, as in "Der Preis einschließlich der Mehrwertsteuer beträgt 100 Euro," or in a sentence clause with the genitive phrase: "Der Gesamtpreis beträgt 100 Euro, einschließlich der Mehrwertsteuer." In everyday shorthand, "einschließlich MwSt." is also common.

Examples and nuance: The word indicates that something is part of the total. It contrasts with zuzüglich, which means "plus" or "in addition" and signals that an amount is not yet included. "Inklusive" is a closely related term used more in marketing or informal writing.

Origin: Einschließlich derives from the verb einschließen ("to enclose, to include"), with the suffix -lich forming an adjective that developed into a prepositional meaning "including."

See also: inklusive, inklusive Mehrwertsteuer, zuzüglich.