vorübergehend en 30 secondes
- Vorübergehend means 'temporary' and is used for situations that will not last forever, such as road closures or short-term jobs.
- It comes from the German words for 'passing by', giving it a sense of something that is just moving through time.
- You will see it everywhere in Germany, from train station announcements to signs on shop doors and official documents.
- It can be used as an adjective (vorübergehende Lösung) or an adverb (vorübergehend geschlossen), making it very flexible.
The German word vorübergehend is a versatile adjective and adverb that primarily translates to 'temporary' or 'provisional' in English. Etymologically, it is a compound of the prefix vorüber- (past/by) and the present participle gehend (going), literally meaning 'going past'. This literal root provides a perfect mental image for its usage: something that is in the process of passing by and will not remain. In a practical sense, it describes situations, states, or conditions that are expected to end after a short period. Whether it is a closed road, a technical glitch, or a short-term living arrangement, vorübergehend signals that the current state is not the permanent one.
- Temporal Nature
- Refers to a limited duration with a definite or indefinite end point.
- Formal Tone
- Often used in official announcements, news, and business contexts.
- Adverbial Use
- Frequently modifies verbs to indicate that an action is only happening for now.
"Wegen Bauarbeiten ist die Hauptstraße vorübergehend gesperrt." (Due to construction, the main street is temporarily closed.)
In everyday German life, you will encounter this word constantly. It is the standard term used by the Deutsche Bahn when a train is delayed or a platform changes. It is what you see on websites when they are down for maintenance. Unlike the word 'kurz' (short), which describes the length of time, vorübergehend emphasizes the transience and the eventual return to a normal state. It bridges the gap between 'now' and 'later'.
"Das ist nur eine vorübergehende Lösung für unser Problem." (That is only a temporary solution for our problem.)
From a grammatical perspective, when used as an adjective before a noun, it takes the standard endings (e.g., ein vorübergehender Erfolg). When used as an adverb, it remains uninflected. It is highly useful for managing expectations in communication, as it reassures the listener that a negative situation is not permanent.
"Ich wohne vorübergehend bei einem Freund." (I am temporarily living with a friend.)
- Synonymity
- Closely related to 'zeitweilig' but sounds more official.
- Antonymity
- The direct opposite is 'dauerhaft' (permanent) or 'ständig' (constant).
Using vorübergehend correctly involves understanding its dual role as an adjective and an adverb. In its adverbial form, it is most common in administrative and technical language. For example, if a service is unavailable, you will see: Dieser Dienst ist vorübergehend nicht erreichbar. Here, it modifies the adjective 'erreichbar' (reachable) to specify the duration of the unavailability.
When used as an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. This is crucial for A2 and B1 learners. For instance: eine vorübergehende Erscheinung (a temporary phenomenon - feminine), ein vorübergehender Zustand (a temporary state - masculine), or vorübergehende Schwierigkeiten (temporary difficulties - plural). The word is often paired with nouns like 'Lösung' (solution), 'Hilfe' (help), or 'Einschränkung' (restriction).
In terms of sentence placement, as an adverb, it usually follows the verb or the 'nicht' in a sentence. In complex tenses, it sits in the middle of the sentence bracket. For example: Wir haben den Betrieb vorübergehend eingestellt (We have temporarily ceased operations). It is rarely placed at the very beginning of a sentence unless you want to emphasize the transience above all else.
You will encounter vorübergehend in several specific contexts in Germany. The most common is public transportation. If there is a strike, a technical fault, or construction on the tracks, the automated announcements will frequently use this word. 'Der Zugverkehr ist vorübergehend unterbrochen' is a phrase every commuter knows well. It is also a staple of the retail world. If a shop is closing for renovations, a sign in the window will read: 'Wegen Umbau vorübergehend geschlossen'.
In the workplace, it appears in job descriptions for 'temporary contracts' (vorübergehende Beschäftigung) or when a colleague is filling in for someone on parental leave. In the news, it is used to describe ceasefire agreements, economic fluctuations, or weather conditions. It is a 'safe' word for officials because it implies that while things are not ideal now, there is a plan to return to normalcy. If you are reading a German newspaper like the FAZ or Süddeutsche Zeitung, look for it in the business or local news sections.
A frequent mistake for English speakers is confusing vorübergehend with kurz. While 'kurz' means short in duration, 'vorübergehend' means that the state itself is not permanent. You can have a 'vorübergehend' situation that lasts for months (like a temporary bridge), which wouldn't necessarily be described as 'kurz'.
Another error is the confusion with provisorisch. While they are similar, 'provisorisch' often implies a lack of quality or a 'makeshift' nature. 'Vorübergehend' is neutral regarding quality; it only speaks to the timeframe. For example, a 'vorübergehende Wohnung' is just where you live for now, but a 'provisorische Wohnung' might imply you are sleeping on a couch because the bed hasn't arrived.
Learners also sometimes forget the adjective endings. Remember: ein vorübergehendes Problem (neuter), not ein vorübergehend Problem. Lastly, avoid using it for people's personality traits. You wouldn't say someone is 'vorübergehend' unless you mean they are physically passing by you; to say someone is temporarily angry, you would use 'momentan'.
To expand your vocabulary, compare vorübergehend with its synonyms. Zeitweilig is the closest synonym, often used interchangeably, though 'vorübergehend' is slightly more common in formal announcements. Kurzzeitig emphasizes the brevity of the time, often meaning 'for a very short moment'.
Einstweilig is a legalistic term, often found in 'einstweilige Verfügung' (preliminary injunction/restraining order). Interimistisch is used in professional contexts, like an 'Interim-Manager' who takes over a role 'vorübergehend'. On the more poetic side, you might find flüchtig (fleeting), which describes something that disappears quickly, like a 'flüchtiger Moment' (a fleeting moment). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right level of formality and precision in your German.
How Formal Is It?
Niveau de difficulté
Grammaire à connaître
Adjective Endings
Adverbial Placement
Present Participles as Adjectives
Compound Words
Passive Voice
Exemples par niveau
Das Geschäft ist vorübergehend geschlossen.
The shop is temporarily closed.
Adverbial use.
Ich bin vorübergehend in Berlin.
I am temporarily in Berlin.
Adverbial use.
Die Toilette ist vorübergehend außer Betrieb.
The toilet is temporarily out of order.
Prepositional phrase 'außer Betrieb'.
Haben Sie eine vorübergehende Adresse?
Do you have a temporary address?
Adjective with feminine ending -e.
Es ist nur vorübergehend.
It is only temporary.
Simple predicate adjective.
Der Parkplatz ist vorübergehend gesperrt.
The parking lot is temporarily blocked.
Passive construction.
Warten Sie vorübergehend hier.
Wait here for the time being.
Imperative mood.
Das Telefon ist vorübergehend kaputt.
The phone is temporarily broken.
Adverb modifying 'kaputt'.
Wir suchen eine vorübergehende Wohnung.
We are looking for a temporary apartment.
Adjective with feminine ending -e.
Können Sie mir vorübergehend helfen?
Can you help me temporarily?
Adverbial use with a modal verb.
Die Brücke ist vorübergehend nicht befahrbar.
The bridge is temporarily not drivable.
Adverb modifying an adjective.
Das ist ein vorübergehendes Problem.
That is a temporary problem.
Adjective with neuter ending -es.
Ich arbeite vorübergehend als Kellner.
I am temporarily working as a waiter.
Adverbial use describing a job.
Die Heizung ist vorübergehend aus.
The heating is temporarily off.
Short adverbial use.
Wir haben vorübergehend keinen Strom.
We temporarily have no electricity.
Adverb in a negative sentence.
Das Museum ist wegen Renovierung vorübergehend zu.
The museum is temporarily closed due to renovation.
Colloquial 'zu' instead of 'geschlossen'.
Die Firma hat vorübergehend Kurzarbeit angemeldet.
The company has temporarily registered for short-time work.
Business terminology.
Es handelt sich um eine vorübergehende Störung im Netz.
It is a temporary disturbance in the network.
Formal 'Es handelt sich um'.
Ich übernehme vorübergehend die Leitung der Abteilung.
I am temporarily taking over the management of the department.
Professional context.
Diese Maßnahme ist nur vorübergehend notwendig.
This measure is only temporarily necessary.
Adverb modifying 'notwendig'.
Wir müssen eine vorübergehende Lösung finden.
We must find a temporary solution.
Adjective with feminine ending.
Der Patient zeigt eine vorübergehende Besserung.
The patient shows a temporary improvement.
Medical context.
Die Vorlesung findet vorübergehend in Raum 204 statt.
The lecture is temporarily taking place in room 204.
Separable verb 'stattfinden'.
Das Gesetz gilt vorübergehend bis zum Jahresende.
The law applies temporarily until the end of the year.
Legal/Administrative context.
Die Inflation ist laut Experten nur vorübergehend.
According to experts, inflation is only temporary.
Economic context.
Wir müssen die Produktion vorübergehend drosseln.
We must temporarily throttle production.
Verb 'drosseln' (to reduce/throttle).
Es gab vorübergehende Engpässe bei der Lieferung.
There were temporary bottlenecks in the delivery.
Plural adjective ending -e.
Die Sperrung der Autobahn ist vorübergehender Natur.
The closure of the highway is of a temporary nature.
Genitive construction 'vorübergehender Natur'.
Vorübergehendes Herzversagen kann lebensgefährlich sein.
Temporary heart failure can be life-threatening.
Medical terminology.
Die Galerie stellt vorübergehend Werke junger Künstler aus.
The gallery is temporarily exhibiting works by young artists.
Separable verb 'ausstellen'.
Er hat sein Studium vorübergehend unterbrochen.
He has temporarily interrupted his studies.
Perfect tense.
Die vorübergehende Festnahme sorgte für Aufsehen.
The temporary arrest caused a stir.
Noun 'Festnahme' (arrest).
Die vorübergehende Sistierung des Verfahrens wurde beschlossen.
The temporary suspension of the proceedings was decided.
High-level legal vocabulary 'Sistierung'.
Es ist eine vorübergehende Laune der Natur.
It is a temporary whim of nature.
Idiomatic expression 'Laune der Natur'.
Die Machtverhältnisse haben sich vorübergehend verschoben.
The power dynamics have temporarily shifted.
Political/Sociological context.
Trotz vorübergehender Rückschläge blieb das Team motiviert.
Despite temporary setbacks, the team remained motivated.
Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.
Die vorübergehende Vakanz in der Geschäftsführung wurde gefüllt.
The temporary vacancy in the management was filled.
Business vocabulary 'Vakanz'.
Wir betrachten dies als eine vorübergehende Erscheinung.
We consider this to be a temporary phenomenon.
Formal 'betrachten als'.
Die vorübergehende Preisbindung wurde aufgehoben.
The temporary price fixing was abolished.
Economic terminology.
Er leidet an einer vorübergehenden Amnesie.
He is suffering from temporary amnesia.
Clinical context.
Die vorübergehende Suspendierung der Grundrechte ist umstritten.
The temporary suspension of fundamental rights is controversial.
Political science context.
Alles Irdische ist letztlich nur vorübergehend.
Everything earthly is ultimately only temporary.
Philosophical statement.
Die vorübergehende Inanspruchnahme fremden Eigentums ist geregelt.
The temporary use of third-party property is regulated.
Complex nominalization.
In der vorübergehenden Stille des Morgens fand er Frieden.
In the temporary silence of the morning, he found peace.
Literary style.
Die vorübergehende Divergenz der Meinungen führte zu einer Debatte.
The temporary divergence of opinions led to a debate.
Academic vocabulary 'Divergenz'.
Es handelt sich um eine vorübergehende Anomalie im Datensatz.
It is a temporary anomaly in the data set.
Scientific context.
Die vorübergehende Entfremdung der Partner war spürbar.
The temporary alienation of the partners was palpable.
Psychological nuance.
Vorübergehende Allianzen prägen die moderne Geopolitik.
Temporary alliances shape modern geopolitics.
Geopolitical analysis.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Souvent confondu avec
Expressions idiomatiques
Facile à confondre
Means 'over/finished' permanently, whereas 'vorübergehend' is 'passing through/temporary'.
Means 'related to time', not 'temporary'.
Structures de phrases
Famille de mots
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Implies a return to normality.
Higher than 'kurz', lower than 'interimistisch'.
Astuces
Adjective vs Adverb
Remember that 'vorübergehend' is an adverb when it describes an action. It doesn't need an ending then. If it describes a noun, it's an adjective. Always check if there is a noun following it.
Train Stations
If you hear 'vorübergehend' at a train station, pay attention. It usually means a platform change or a delay. It is the most common word for 'for now'. It helps you stay informed during travel.
Professional Emails
Use 'vorübergehend' to explain why you are late or why a file is missing. It sounds much better than 'für kurze Zeit'. It shows you have a good command of formal German. It is a very professional word.
Synonym Choice
Use 'provisorisch' only if the solution is a bit messy. Use 'vorübergehend' if the solution is good but just temporary. This nuance is important for advanced learners. It shows you understand the 'quality' of the situation.
The 'Ü' Sound
Make sure to round your lips for the 'ü'. The word is long, so take your time. Stress the second syllable 'rü'. Practice saying 'vor-über-gehend' slowly.
News Headlines
Look for this word in headlines about strikes or construction. It is a keyword for understanding current events. It tells you the 'duration' of the news event. It is very common in local news.
Managing Expectations
Use this word to tell friends a problem won't last. It is a very comforting word in social situations. It implies that 'this too shall pass'. It is a positive way to frame a negative state.
Word Building
Notice the 'gehen' at the end. Many German words use 'gehen' to describe states. 'Vorüber' means 'past'. So it literally means 'going past'. This helps you remember the meaning.
Contracts
In contracts, 'vorübergehend' can have specific time limits. Always check the fine print if you see this word. It means the contract is not forever. It is a key term in labor law.
Housing
If you see an ad for 'vorübergehendes Wohnen', it's usually a sublet (Zwischenmiete). It's great for short stays. It is a very common term in the German housing market. It helps you find short-term accommodation.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'V' (for vorübergehend) as a 'Visitor' who is just 'passing through'.
Origine du mot
Middle High German
Contexte culturel
Using 'vorübergehend' in a refusal or a delay makes it sound more polite and less final.
Used extensively in German administrative letters to describe temporary statuses.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Amorces de conversation
"Ist diese Sperrung nur vorübergehend?"
"Wohnst du dort dauerhaft oder nur vorübergehend?"
"Glaubst du, das Problem ist nur vorübergehend?"
"Haben Sie eine vorübergehende Lösung gefunden?"
"Wie lange wird der Dienst vorübergehend nicht erreichbar sein?"
Sujets d'écriture
Beschreibe eine vorübergehende Situation in deinem Leben.
Was war die beste vorübergehende Lösung, die du je gefunden hast?
Warum sind manche Probleme nur vorübergehend, andere aber dauerhaft?
Schreibe über eine Reise, bei der du vorübergehend an einem fremden Ort warst.
Wie fühlst du dich, wenn etwas vorübergehend nicht funktioniert?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is widely used in formal and official contexts. It sounds professional and precise. You will find it in newspapers and announcements. However, it is also perfectly fine for daily conversation. It is a very safe word to use.
Usually, it describes situations or states, not people's characters. You can say someone is 'vorübergehend abwesend' (temporarily absent). But you wouldn't call a person 'vorübergehend' itself. It refers to the duration of their presence or a condition. It is about the 'how long', not the 'who'.
'Vorübergehend' only talks about the time (temporary). 'Provisorisch' often implies that something is a 'makeshift' or 'quick-fix' solution that might not be high quality. For example, a temporary bridge is 'vorübergehend'. A bridge made of old planks is 'provisorisch'. Use 'vorübergehend' for neutral time descriptions.
It follows standard German adjective declension. For example: 'ein vorübergehender Job' (masculine nominative), 'eine vorübergehende Hilfe' (feminine nominative), 'ein vorübergehendes Problem' (neuter nominative). If used as an adverb, it never changes its form. Adverbial use is very common in German.
Literally, yes, as it comes from 'vorübergehen'. However, in modern German, 'vorübergehend' is almost exclusively used to mean 'temporary'. If you want to say someone is passing by, you would use the verb: 'Er geht an mir vorüber'. The adjective form has taken on the temporal meaning.
Yes, very often. Doctors use it to describe symptoms that are not permanent. For example, 'vorübergehende Schmerzen' (temporary pain) or 'vorübergehende Blindheit'. It provides hope to the patient that the condition will end. It is a standard clinical term.
As an adverb, it usually goes after the conjugated verb. For example: 'Die Straße ist vorübergehend gesperrt'. In sentences with multiple verbs, it often goes before the main verb at the end. For example: 'Wir müssen den Laden vorübergehend schließen'. It is quite flexible.
The most common opposite is 'dauerhaft' (permanent). Other opposites include 'ständig' (constant), 'permanent' (permanent), or 'ewig' (eternal). In a job context, the opposite of 'vorübergehend' is 'unbefristet' (open-ended/permanent contract). Knowing the opposite helps define the word.
Yes, it is common in weather reports. 'Vorübergehende Bewölkung' means temporary cloudiness. It implies the sun will come back soon. It is a very useful word for describing the changing German weather. You will hear it on the radio often.
While the concept is simple enough for A2, the frequency and formal usage make it a core B1 word. However, because it appears on so many signs, A2 students should definitely learn it. It is essential for navigating daily life in Germany. It is a high-frequency vocabulary item.
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Summary
The word 'vorübergehend' is your go-to term for anything non-permanent in German. It is more formal than 'kurz' and implies that the current situation is a transition back to a normal or permanent state.
- Vorübergehend means 'temporary' and is used for situations that will not last forever, such as road closures or short-term jobs.
- It comes from the German words for 'passing by', giving it a sense of something that is just moving through time.
- You will see it everywhere in Germany, from train station announcements to signs on shop doors and official documents.
- It can be used as an adjective (vorübergehende Lösung) or an adverb (vorübergehend geschlossen), making it very flexible.
Adjective vs Adverb
Remember that 'vorübergehend' is an adverb when it describes an action. It doesn't need an ending then. If it describes a noun, it's an adjective. Always check if there is a noun following it.
Train Stations
If you hear 'vorübergehend' at a train station, pay attention. It usually means a platform change or a delay. It is the most common word for 'for now'. It helps you stay informed during travel.
Professional Emails
Use 'vorübergehend' to explain why you are late or why a file is missing. It sounds much better than 'für kurze Zeit'. It shows you have a good command of formal German. It is a very professional word.
Synonym Choice
Use 'provisorisch' only if the solution is a bit messy. Use 'vorübergehend' if the solution is good but just temporary. This nuance is important for advanced learners. It shows you understand the 'quality' of the situation.
Exemple
Das ist nur eine vorübergehende Lösung.
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur time
abgelaufen
A2Expiré, périmé. 'Le lait est périmé' (Die Milch ist abgelaufen). 'Mon passeport est expiré' (Mein Pass ist abgelaufen).
ablaufen
A2Expirer (pour un document ou de la nourriture). Se dérouler (pour un événement).
anfangs
A2Au début d'un processus ou d'une période.
aufschieben
A2Remettre à plus tard une tâche ou une décision.
außerplanmäßig
A2Qui ne fait pas partie du plan initial. Cela arrive de manière inattendue ou par exception.
befristen
A2Limiter dans le temps un contrat ou une offre.
befristet
A2Qui ne dure que pendant une période de temps précise et limitée.
beizeiten
A2Suffisamment à l'avance, avant qu'il ne soit trop tard.
bevorstehend
A2Bevorstehend signifie que quelque chose est sur le point de se produire très bientôt, imminent ou à venir. (Il est imminent ou à venir.)
circa
A2Indique qu'une quantité n'est pas précise, mais approximative.
