Meaning
To cook or get food ready for eating.
Cultural Background
The 'Abendbrot' tradition means 'preparing a meal' often involves no cooking, just arranging bread, cheese, and meats. In Austria, you might hear 'das Essen richten' instead of 'vorbereiten'. It sounds more regional and charming. Swiss German speakers might use 'rüschte' for preparing vegetables, but in High German, 'vorbereiten' is standard. The English term 'Meal Prep' is very common among young professionals, though they still use 'vorbereiten' to describe the action.
The 'Vor' Rule
Always remember to kick the 'vor' to the end of the sentence. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Abendbrot
If someone invites you to 'prepare a meal' in the evening, don't be surprised if no stove is involved!
Meaning
To cook or get food ready for eating.
The 'Vor' Rule
Always remember to kick the 'vor' to the end of the sentence. It's the most common mistake for learners.
Abendbrot
If someone invites you to 'prepare a meal' in the evening, don't be surprised if no stove is involved!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'vorbereiten'.
Ich ______ das Essen ______.
In the present tense, 'vorbereiten' splits: 'bereite' stays in position 2, and 'vor' goes to the end.
Which sentence is correct in the past tense?
What did you do yesterday?
The past participle of 'vorbereiten' is 'vorbereitet'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mir helfen? B: Nein, ich muss noch ________________.
After 'muss' (modal verb), the main verb goes to the end in its infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch ______ das Essen ______.
In the present tense, 'vorbereiten' splits: 'bereite' stays in position 2, and 'vor' goes to the end.
What did you do yesterday?
The past participle of 'vorbereiten' is 'vorbereitet'.
A: Kannst du mir helfen? B: Nein, ich muss noch ________________.
After 'muss' (modal verb), the main verb goes to the end in its infinitive form.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, you can prepare anything: a meeting (ein Meeting vorbereiten), a lesson (eine Lektion vorbereiten), or a trip (eine Reise vorbereiten).
'Kochen' means to cook with heat. 'Vorbereiten' is the whole process, including cold meals.
It's better to say 'Ich bereite {das|n} Essen vor' or 'Ich bereite etwas zu essen vor'.
Related Phrases
kochen
similarto cook
den Tisch decken
builds onto set the table
zubereiten
synonymto prepare/make
anrichten
specialized formto plate/serve
