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vorverlegen

B1 verb #7,000 most common 9 min read

vorverlegen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips vorverlegen in 30 Seconds

Explanation vorverlegen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'vorverlegen' is quite advanced. A1 learners usually focus on simple time expressions like 'früher' (earlier) and 'später' (later). However, you might encounter it in very basic contexts like a doctor's office or a simple work schedule. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to recognize that 'vor' means 'before' or 'forward'. If you see 'vorverlegen', just think: 'something is happening earlier'. You don't need to use it yourself yet; instead, you can say 'Können wir das Treffen früher machen?' (Can we do the meeting earlier?). Understanding the prefix 'vor' will help you later when you learn more complex verbs. Focus on the concept of moving time. Imagine a clock where the hands are being moved back—that is the essence of 'vorverlegen'. Even if you can't conjugate it perfectly, knowing that it relates to an earlier time will help you navigate basic appointments in Germany.

At the A2 level, you begin to learn about separable verbs, and 'vorverlegen' is a perfect example. You should start to recognize that the 'vor' part moves to the end of the sentence in the present tense. For example: 'Ich verlege den Termin vor.' You will likely hear this word in work environments or when making plans with friends. At this stage, you should practice using it with modal verbs like 'können' (can) or 'müssen' (must), because it's easier: 'Wir müssen den Termin vorverlegen.' This avoids the tricky separation of the prefix. You should also know that it is the opposite of 'verschieben' (to postpone). A2 learners should be able to understand a message like 'Der Kurs wird auf 18 Uhr vorverlegt' and know that they need to be there earlier than usual. It's a very practical word for daily life in a German-speaking country.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'vorverlegen' correctly in both speech and writing. This is the level where you handle appointments and professional communication more independently. You should be comfortable with the separable nature of the verb in different tenses. In the Perfect tense, it is 'vorverlegt' (e.g., 'Wir haben das Meeting vorverlegt'). You should also use the preposition 'auf' correctly to indicate the new time: 'Wir verlegen das Treffen auf Freitag vor.' At B1, you start to see the difference between 'vorverlegen' and 'verschieben'. You should use 'vorverlegen' specifically when you want to sound professional and precise about moving something to an earlier time. It's a key word for the 'Arbeitswelt' (world of work) module of the B1 exam. Practice writing short emails requesting to move a deadline or a meeting using this verb.

At the B2 level, you should use 'vorverlegen' with nuance and in more complex sentence structures, including the passive voice. For example: 'Aufgrund unvorhergesehener Ereignisse musste der Termin vorverlegt werden.' (Due to unforeseen events, the appointment had to be moved forward.) You should understand the subtle difference between 'vorverlegen' and 'vorziehen'. While 'vorziehen' can mean 'to prefer' or 'to pull forward', 'vorverlegen' is the standard administrative and professional term for rescheduling. You are also expected to use it in subordinate clauses where the verb doesn't separate: 'Ich informiere dich, falls wir den Termin vorverlegen.' At this level, you should be able to discuss the implications of 'Vorverlegung' (the noun form) on a project's timeline and coordinate with multiple parties using this vocabulary fluently.

At the C1 level, 'vorverlegen' is used with total ease in high-level professional and academic contexts. You should be able to use the noun 'Vorverlegung' and related idiomatic expressions. You might use it in abstract contexts, such as bringing forward a political debate or a legislative decision. C1 speakers use 'vorverlegen' to manage complex schedules and demonstrate a high level of organizational competence. You should also be aware of the stylistic choices between 'vorverlegen', 'vorziehen', and 'früher ansetzen'. For instance, in a formal report, you might write: 'Die Vorverlegung des Veröffentlichungstermins führte zu einer erhöhten Marktpräsenz.' You understand the logistical and psychological pressure that 'vorverlegen' can imply in a German work culture and can navigate these conversations with appropriate politeness and clarity. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'vorverlegen' and its place within the broader system of German temporal and organizational verbs. You can use it in highly formal, legal, or literary contexts. You might use it metaphorically or in complex passive-causative structures. You understand the historical development of the word and its synonyms. A C2 speaker might use 'vorverlegen' to discuss the strategic acceleration of a multi-year infrastructure project, weighing the pros and cons of such a move in a sophisticated debate. You can use the word to express subtle shades of meaning—for example, implying that a 'Vorverlegung' was a strategic maneuver rather than a simple necessity. Your ability to use this word in the context of German 'Pünktlichkeit' and 'Planungssicherheit' reflects a deep cultural as well as linguistic integration.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

vorverlegen in 30 Seconds

Vorverlegen means moving a scheduled event to an earlier time.
It is a separable verb: 'Ich verlege den Termin vor.'
Commonly used for meetings, deadlines, and flights.
The preposition 'auf' is used for the new time (e.g., auf 10 Uhr).

The German verb vorverlegen is a quintessential component of professional and social coordination in the German-speaking world. At its core, it means to reschedule an event, appointment, or deadline to a point in time that is earlier than originally planned. This word is a separable verb, consisting of the prefix vor- (meaning 'before' or 'forward') and the base verb verlegen (meaning 'to move' or 'to shift'). In the context of time, moving something 'forward' in German logic means bringing it closer to the present moment. This can sometimes be confusing for English speakers, as 'moving a meeting forward' can occasionally be ambiguous—does it mean sooner or later? In German, vorverlegen is unambiguous: it always means earlier.

Professional Context: In a corporate environment, this verb is used when a project deadline is moved up or when a meeting needs to happen sooner due to urgent developments. It carries a tone of efficiency and necessity.
Social Context: When meeting friends, if you realize you have more free time or if the weather forecast suggests an earlier start is better, you would ask to 'vorverlegen' the meeting time.

Können wir das Meeting auf 10 Uhr vorverlegen?

Translation: Can we move the meeting forward to 10 o'clock?

The necessity of vorverlegen often arises from external pressures. For instance, if a flight is rescheduled to depart earlier, the airline has 'den Flug vorverlegt'. In German culture, where punctuality and scheduling are highly valued, being able to precisely communicate a change in time is vital. Using vorverlegen shows a high level of B1/B2 competence because it distinguishes the specific direction of the time shift, unlike the more generic verschieben (to postpone or move), which usually implies moving something to a later date unless specified otherwise.

Wegen des Streiks wurde die Abfahrt vorverlegt.

The Nuance of 'Vor': The 'vor' prefix acts as a spatial metaphor for time. Imagine a timeline where the future is 'ahead' and the past is 'behind'. By 'vor-verlegen', you are placing the event further 'forward' toward the current moment on that timeline.

Furthermore, vorverlegen is frequently used in passive constructions, especially in news or official announcements. 'Die Bauarbeiten wurden vorverlegt' implies a positive or urgent acceleration of work. Understanding this word helps learners navigate the complexities of German logistics, from doctor's appointments to train schedules. It is a word that signals proactive planning and adaptability.

Wir mussten die Deadline um zwei Tage vorverlegen.

Using vorverlegen correctly requires an understanding of German sentence structure, particularly the behavior of separable verbs. Because the prefix vor- detaches from the stem verlegen in simple present and simple past tenses, the placement of these components is crucial for clarity. In a standard declarative sentence, the conjugated part of the verb stays in the second position, while the prefix migrates to the very end. For example, 'I move the meeting forward' becomes 'Ich verlege das Meeting vor'.

Present Tense: Der Chef verlegt die Konferenz auf Montag vor. (The boss is moving the conference forward to Monday.)
Perfect Tense: Wir haben den Termin vorverlegt. (We have moved the appointment forward.) Note that the 'ge' is sandwiched: vor-ge-legt.

Er verlegte das Abendessen vor, weil er früher gehen musste.

When using modal verbs like können, müssen, or sollen, the verb vorverlegen remains in its infinitive form at the end of the sentence, and the prefix stays attached. This is often the easiest way for learners to use the word. For example, 'Wir müssen den Termin vorverlegen' (We must move the appointment forward). This structure is very common in office communication where requests are made politely yet firmly.

Kannst du die Prüfung bitte vorverlegen?

In subordinate clauses (sentences starting with weil, dass, wenn, etc.), the entire verb—prefix and all—moves to the end of the clause and is conjugated there. For example: 'Ich bin froh, dass wir das Treffen vorverlegt haben.' This demonstrates the complexity of German syntax but also the precision it offers. Using vorverlegen in these structures marks you as a competent B1 speaker who understands how to manipulate separable verbs within complex sentences.

Passive Voice: Der Termin wurde vorverlegt. (The appointment was moved forward.) This is extremely common in formal emails.

Wenn wir den Start vorverlegen, haben wir mehr Zeit.

The word vorverlegen is a staple of organizational life in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. You are most likely to encounter it in environments where schedules are tight and coordination is paramount. One of the most common places is the workplace. Whether in a large corporation or a small startup, time management is key. You will hear it in team meetings, read it in Slack messages, and see it in formal emails from HR or project managers. It is the professional way to suggest that something should happen earlier than planned.

Public Transport: At train stations or airports, announcements might use this term if a departure has been moved to an earlier slot, though 'vorziehen' is also common here.
Medical Offices: If a doctor has a cancellation, the receptionist might call you and ask: 'Können wir Ihren Termin vorverlegen?'

Die Nachrichtensendung wurde wegen der Sondersendung vorverlegt.

In the media, you'll hear vorverlegen frequently during election cycles or major sporting events. If a debate is moved to an earlier time to accommodate a larger audience, the news anchor will say the event was 'vorverlegt'. Similarly, in the film industry, if a movie's release date is moved up to avoid competition, it is 'vorverlegt'. This word carries a sense of officiality and planned action. It's not just a random change; it's a 're-laying' (verlegen) of the schedule.

Wegen des Regens verlegten wir den Grillabend vor.

Finally, in academic settings, professors might 'vorverlegen' a lecture or an exam. This is often met with groans from students, but the word itself is the standard term used in university portals and official communications. Understanding this word helps you stay ahead of the curve—literally—in any German-speaking institutional setting.

News Headlines: 'Wahltermin vorverlegt' (Election date moved forward) is a common headline in political reporting.

Könnten wir unser Gespräch vielleicht etwas vorverlegen?

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with vorverlegen is confusing it with its antonym or other general 'moving' verbs. Because 'forward' in English can sometimes mean 'further into the future' (e.g., 'moving a deadline forward' can occasionally be interpreted as postponing it in some English dialects), learners might use vorverlegen when they actually mean verschieben (to postpone) or nach hinten verschieben. In German, vorverlegen is strictly for moving something to an earlier time. If you move something to a later time, you must use verschieben or vertagen.

Confusion with 'Vorziehen': While 'vorziehen' also means to bring forward, it is more commonly used for objects or preferences. 'Vorverlegen' is the more technical term for schedules and appointments.
Separable Verb Placement: Learners often forget to put 'vor' at the end of the sentence. Saying 'Ich vorverlege den Termin' is a classic A1/A2 error that persists into B1.

Falsch: Ich vorverlege den Termin.
Richtig: Ich verlege den Termin vor.

Another common mistake is the incorrect use of prepositions. To specify the new time, Germans use auf + [Time]. Some learners incorrectly use zu or an. For example, 'auf Montag vorverlegen' is correct, while 'zu Montag vorverlegen' is not. Additionally, using the perfect tense can be tricky. The past participle is vorverlegt, not gevorverlegt or vorverlegen. Because the base verb verlegen already starts with the inseparable prefix ver-, it does not take an additional -ge- in the participle. However, vorverlegen is technically vor + verlegen. The correct past participle is indeed vorverlegt. This is a rare case where the 'ge' is omitted because of the 'ver-' prefix.

Wir haben den Termin vorverlegt (NOT vorverlegen or vorvergelegt).

Lastly, learners sometimes use vorverlegen when they mean they are arriving early. 'Vorverlegen' is an action applied to an event, not a person's arrival. You don't 'vorverlegen' yourself; you 'vorverlegst' the meeting. If you want to say you are coming earlier, use 'früher kommen'.

Incorrect Context: Don't use it for moving physical objects in space (like a chair). Use 'vorrücken' or 'verschieben' for that.

To truly master German, you need to know the alternatives to vorverlegen and when to use them. The most direct synonym is vorziehen. While they are often interchangeable, vorziehen is slightly more flexible. You can 'vorziehen' a meeting, but you can also 'vorziehen' a person in a queue or 'vorziehen' (prefer) tea over coffee. Vorverlegen is more strictly tied to the chronological shifting of a scheduled event. In a business context, vorverlegen sounds slightly more formal and precise.

vorziehen vs. vorverlegen: Vorziehen: 'Can we pull the meeting forward?' (Common in speech). Vorverlegen: 'The meeting has been rescheduled to an earlier time.' (Common in writing/official contexts).
früher ansetzen: This means 'to schedule earlier' from the start. It is often used for events that haven't been finalized yet.

Können wir das Projekt vorziehen? (Can we prioritize/bring forward the project?)

On the opposite side, we have verschieben. This is the general word for 'to move' or 'to postpone'. If you don't specify the direction, verschieben usually implies moving it to a later time. To be explicit about moving something later, you can say nach hinten verschieben or vertagen (specifically for meetings or court sessions). Another useful word is beschleunigen (to accelerate), which is used for processes rather than specific calendar points.

Wir mussten den Termin leider verschieben.

In more casual German, you might hear vordatieren, which specifically means to backdate a document or a check. Don't confuse this with vorverlegen, which is for events. Understanding these distinctions—between events, documents, and preferences—is what separates a B1 learner from a B2/C1 proficient speaker. By choosing vorverlegen for a meeting change, you demonstrate a precise command of the German temporal vocabulary.

Antonyms: verschieben (to postpone), vertagen (to adjourn), nach hinten verlegen (to move to a later time).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The prefix 'ver-' often indicates a change of state or location, making 'verlegen' the perfect base for moving things in time.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfoːɐ̯fɛɐ̯ˌleːɡn̩/

US /ˈfɔːrvɛrˌleɪɡən/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'vor'.

Rhymes With

anlegen belegen entgegen erregen legen pflegen regen wegen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'v' as 'v' instead of 'f'.
Stressing the 'ver' instead of the 'vor'.
Forgetting to separate the prefix in main clauses.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'vor' and 'verlegen'.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct separable verb placement.

Speaking 4/5

Prefix placement can be tricky in fast speech.

Listening 3/5

Need to catch the 'vor' at the end of the sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

verlegen vor Termin Zeit früher

Learn Next

verschieben vertagen nachholen absagen vereinbaren

Advanced

vordatieren vorziehen beschleunigen Terminplanung

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Ich verlege vor.

Passive Voice

Es wurde vorverlegt.

Infinitive with 'zu'

Es ist wichtig, den Termin vorzuverlegen.

Past Participle of 'ver-' verbs

vorverlegt (no 'ge' before 'ver')

Modal Verbs

Wir müssen vorverlegen.

Examples by Level

Können wir den Termin vorverlegen?

Can we move the appointment forward?

Infinitive with 'können'.

Wir verlegen das Treffen vor.

We are moving the meeting forward.

Separable verb in present tense.

Das Meeting ist jetzt früher.

The meeting is now earlier.

Simple alternative to vorverlegen.

Bitte verlegen Sie den Termin vor.

Please move the appointment forward.

Imperative form.

Ich will das Essen vorverlegen.

I want to move the dinner forward.

Modal verb 'wollen'.

Der Zug fährt früher.

The train leaves earlier.

Contextual synonym.

Morgen verlegen wir es vor.

Tomorrow we will move it forward.

Future meaning in present tense.

Warum vorverlegen?

Why move it forward?

Short question.

Ich verlege meine Reise vor.

I am moving my trip forward.

Separable verb.

Hast du den Termin vorverlegt?

Did you move the appointment forward?

Perfect tense.

Wir müssen den Test vorverlegen.

We must move the test forward.

Modal verb 'müssen'.

Der Arzt verlegt den Termin auf 8 Uhr vor.

The doctor is moving the appointment forward to 8 o'clock.

Use of 'auf' + time.

Können wir die Party vorverlegen?

Can we move the party forward?

Question with modal verb.

Er verlegte das Spiel vor.

He moved the game forward.

Präteritum (Simple Past).

Das wurde vorverlegt.

That was moved forward.

Passive voice.

Wir verlegen den Kurs auf Montag vor.

We are moving the course forward to Monday.

Present tense, separable.

Wegen des Gewitters wurde das Konzert vorverlegt.

Because of the thunderstorm, the concert was moved forward.

Passive with 'wegen'.

Ich schlage vor, dass wir die Sitzung vorverlegen.

I suggest that we move the session forward.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Könnten wir unser Gespräch etwas vorverlegen?

Could we move our conversation forward a bit?

Konjunktiv II for politeness.

Die Firma hat die Deadline vorverlegt.

The company moved the deadline forward.

Perfect tense.

Wenn wir den Termin vorverlegen, haben wir mehr Zeit.

If we move the appointment forward, we have more time.

Conditional sentence.

Der Flug wurde um zwei Stunden vorverlegt.

The flight was moved forward by two hours.

Passive with 'um' + duration.

Ich verlege meine Mittagspause heute vor.

I am moving my lunch break forward today.

Daily life context.

Wir sollten die Besprechung auf morgen vorverlegen.

We should move the meeting forward to tomorrow.

Modal verb 'sollten'.

Es ist unumgänglich, den Liefertermin vorzuverlegen.

It is unavoidable to move the delivery date forward.

Infinitiv mit 'zu'.

Die Vorverlegung des Termins stieß auf Kritik.

Moving the appointment forward met with criticism.

Noun form 'Vorverlegung'.

Wir verlegen den Produktionsstart aufgrund der hohen Nachfrage vor.

We are moving the start of production forward due to high demand.

Formal business context.

Sollte der Termin vorverlegt werden, informiere ich Sie.

Should the appointment be moved forward, I will inform you.

Formal conditional.

Trotz der Vorverlegung blieb alles entspannt.

Despite moving it forward, everything remained relaxed.

Preposition 'trotz' with noun.

Man hat den Baubeginn um einen Monat vorverlegt.

They moved the start of construction forward by a month.

Indefinite pronoun 'man'.

Die Sendung wurde kurzfristig vorverlegt.

The broadcast was moved forward at short notice.

Adverb 'kurzfristig'.

Ich bedaure, dass wir den Termin vorverlegen mussten.

I regret that we had to move the appointment forward.

Subordinate clause with modal.

Eine Vorverlegung der Parlamentssitzung ist derzeit nicht geplant.

A rescheduling of the parliamentary session to an earlier time is not currently planned.

Formal administrative language.

Inwiefern lässt sich der Zeitplan noch vorverlegen?

To what extent can the schedule still be moved forward?

Reflexive 'lässt sich'.

Die Dringlichkeit der Lage zwang uns, die Konferenz vorzuverlegen.

The urgency of the situation forced us to move the conference forward.

Infinitive construction.

Durch das Vorverlegen der Deadline konnten wir Kosten sparen.

By moving the deadline forward, we were able to save costs.

Gerund-like use of the verb.

Es wurde darüber spekuliert, ob die Wahl vorverlegt wird.

There was speculation about whether the election would be moved forward.

Passive voice in 'ob' clause.

Die geplante Vorverlegung stieß auf logistische Hürden.

The planned rescheduling encountered logistical hurdles.

Complex noun phrase.

Wir verlegen den Termin vor, um Überschneidungen zu vermeiden.

We are moving the appointment forward to avoid overlaps.

'um...zu' clause.

Die Ankündigung, das Event vorzuverlegen, kam überraschend.

The announcement to move the event forward came as a surprise.

Appositive infinitive phrase.

Die strategische Vorverlegung des Markteintritts sicherte den Wettbewerbsvorteil.

The strategic acceleration of the market entry secured the competitive advantage.

Highly formal business German.

Es ist fraglich, ob eine Vorverlegung der Maßnahmen die Krise hätte abwenden können.

It is questionable whether moving the measures forward could have averted the crisis.

Konjunktiv II for past possibility.

Die Dynamik des Marktes gebietet eine Vorverlegung der Investitionsphase.

The market dynamics necessitate moving the investment phase forward.

Elevated vocabulary ('gebietet').

Ungeachtet der Einwände wurde der Veröffentlichungstermin vorverlegt.

Regardless of the objections, the publication date was moved forward.

Preposition 'ungeachtet'.

Die Notwendigkeit, den Zeitplan drastisch vorzuverlegen, ergab sich aus der neuen Gesetzeslage.

The necessity to drastically move the schedule forward arose from the new legal situation.

Complex sentence structure.

Eine Vorverlegung um lediglich wenige Stunden erwies sich als unzureichend.

Moving it forward by only a few hours proved to be insufficient.

Precise academic tone.

Man einigte sich darauf, die Debatte auf den Vormittag vorzuverlegen.

They agreed to move the debate forward to the morning.

Pronominal adverb 'darauf'.

Die Vorverlegung des Termins war ein taktischer Schachzug.

Moving the appointment forward was a tactical move.

Metaphorical usage.

Common Collocations

einen Termin vorverlegen

die Deadline vorverlegen

das Meeting vorverlegen

den Flug vorverlegen

den Baubeginn vorverlegen

die Prüfung vorverlegen

auf Wunsch vorverlegen

kurzfristig vorverlegen

um eine Stunde vorverlegen

auf Montag vorverlegen

Common Phrases

Können wir das vorverlegen?

— A standard way to ask to move something earlier.

Ich habe früher Zeit. Können wir das vorverlegen?

Der Termin wurde vorverlegt.

— A common notification in emails or apps.

Achtung: Der Termin wurde vorverlegt.

Wegen Zeitmangels vorverlegen.

— Giving a reason for the change.

Wir mussten das Treffen wegen Zeitmangels vorverlegen.

Auf 9 Uhr vorverlegen.

— Specifying the new time.

Bitte auf 9 Uhr vorverlegen.

Leider vorverlegt.

— Expressing regret for a change.

Der Termin wurde leider vorverlegt.

Den Urlaub vorverlegen.

— Moving a vacation earlier.

Ich konnte meinen Urlaub vorverlegen.

Die Veröffentlichung vorverlegen.

— Moving a release date up.

Das Buch wurde vorverlegt.

Den Start vorverlegen.

— Starting something sooner.

Wir verlegen den Start vor.

Den Abgabetermin vorverlegen.

— Moving up a submission deadline.

Der Abgabetermin wurde vorverlegt.

Die Abfahrt vorverlegen.

— Moving a departure time earlier.

Die Abfahrt wurde vorverlegt.

Often Confused With

vorverlegen vs verschieben

Verschieben is general or means 'later'. Vorverlegen is only 'earlier'.

vorverlegen vs vorziehen

Vorziehen can also mean 'to prefer'. Vorverlegen is strictly for scheduling.

vorverlegen vs vordatieren

Vordatieren is for dates on paper (backdating). Vorverlegen is for events.

Idioms & Expressions

"Etwas in den Kalender vorverlegen"

— To actively change a calendar entry to an earlier slot.

Ich habe es im Kalender vorverlegt.

neutral

"Den Zeitplan sprengen"

— To ruin the schedule (often happens when things are vorverlegt too much).

Die Vorverlegung hat den Zeitplan gesprengt.

informal

"Zeit gewinnen durch Vorverlegung"

— To gain time by moving things earlier.

Wir gewinnen Zeit durch die Vorverlegung.

neutral

"Früher Vogel fängt den Wurm"

— The early bird catches the worm (often used to justify vorverlegen).

Lass uns vorverlegen, der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm!

informal

"Unter Zeitdruck stehen"

— To be under time pressure (the reason for vorverlegen).

Wir stehen unter Zeitdruck und müssen vorverlegen.

neutral

"Den Takt vorgeben"

— To set the pace (often by vorverlegen deadlines).

Der Chef gibt den Takt vor und verlegt alles vor.

neutral

"In Zeitverzug geraten"

— To fall behind schedule (opposite of what vorverlegen tries to fix).

Wir dürfen nicht in Zeitverzug geraten, also verlegen wir vor.

neutral

"Nägel mit Köpfen machen"

— To get things done properly/quickly.

Lass uns vorverlegen und Nägel mit Köpfen machen.

informal

"Auf die Tube drücken"

— To hurry up.

Wir müssen auf die Tube drücken und den Termin vorverlegen.

slang

"Vorsprung herausarbeiten"

— To gain an advantage (by vorverlegen a launch).

Wir verlegen den Start vor, um einen Vorsprung herauszuarbeiten.

formal

Easily Confused

vorverlegen vs vorziehen

Both mean 'to bring forward'.

Vorverlegen is more formal and specific to calendars. Vorziehen is more general and used for preferences.

Ich ziehe Kaffee vor (I prefer coffee). Ich verlege den Termin vor (I move the meeting earlier).

vorverlegen vs verschieben

Both involve moving an appointment.

Verschieben is the umbrella term, usually implying a delay. Vorverlegen is only for earlier times.

Wir müssen den Termin verschieben (usually later).

vorverlegen vs vorrücken

Both involve moving 'forward'.

Vorrücken is spatial (moving a chair forward). Vorverlegen is temporal (moving a time forward).

Rück den Stuhl vor!

vorverlegen vs vordatieren

Both involve dates.

Vordatieren is writing an earlier date on a document. Vorverlegen is changing the time an event happens.

Er hat den Vertrag vordatiert.

vorverlegen vs beschleunigen

Both mean making something happen faster/sooner.

Beschleunigen is for a process or speed. Vorverlegen is for a specific point in time.

Wir müssen das Projekt beschleunigen.

Sentence Patterns

Ich verlege [Sache] vor.

Ich verlege den Termin vor.

Kannst du [Sache] vorverlegen?

Kannst du das Treffen vorverlegen?

Wir haben [Sache] auf [Zeit] vorverlegt.

Wir haben das Meeting auf 9 Uhr vorverlegt.

Wegen [Grund] wurde [Sache] vorverlegt.

Wegen des Regens wurde das Spiel vorverlegt.

Es ist nötig, [Sache] vorzuverlegen.

Es ist nötig, die Deadline vorzuverlegen.

Die Vorverlegung von [Sache]...

Die Vorverlegung des Termins war stressig.

Sollte [Sache] vorverlegt werden, ...

Sollte der Termin vorverlegt werden, sagen Sie mir Bescheid.

Die Vorverlegung ergab sich aus...

Die Vorverlegung ergab sich aus der neuen Marktsituation.

Word Family

Nouns

Vorverlegung

Verlegung

Lage

Verbs

verlegen

vorziehen

nachverlegen

Adjectives

vorverlegbar

Termin

Zeitplan

früher

verschieben

Kalender

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and organizational settings.

Common Mistakes

Ich vorverlege den Termin. → Ich verlege den Termin vor.
Separable verbs must be separated in the present tense in main clauses.
Wir haben den Termin vorgeverlegt. → Wir haben den Termin vorverlegt.
Verbs with inseparable prefixes like 'ver-' do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Können wir den Termin zu 9 Uhr vorverlegen? → Können wir den Termin auf 9 Uhr vorverlegen?
The correct preposition for moving to a specific time is 'auf'.
Ich muss mich vorverlegen. → Ich muss früher kommen.
You vorverlegen an event, not a person.
Ich verlege den Termin nach hinten vor. → Ich verschiebe den Termin nach hinten.
'Vor' and 'nach hinten' are contradictory. Use 'verschieben' for later times.

Tips

Separable Verb Rule

Remember: 'Vor' flies to the end! 'Ich verlege den Termin vor.' This is the most common mistake for learners.

Use 'auf' for the target time

When you move a meeting to a specific time, use 'auf'. 'Wir verlegen das Meeting auf 9 Uhr vor.'

Professional Tone

Use 'vorverlegen' in work emails to sound more professional than just saying 'früher machen'.

The 'Vor' = 'Before' Trick

Just remember VOR means BEFORE. So you are moving it to a time BEFORE the original one.

Stress the Prefix

In German separable verbs, the prefix is almost always stressed. Say **VOR**-verlegen.

Passive in Emails

In formal notices, use 'Der Termin wurde vorverlegt.' It sounds official and polite.

Listen for the End

German verbs often hide their full meaning at the end of the sentence. Wait for that 'vor'!

Punctuality Matters

If you vorverlegen a meeting, make sure everyone is actually okay with it. Germans value their planned schedules!

No 'ge' in Participle

Don't say 'vorgeverlegt'. It's just 'vorverlegt'. The 'ver-' prefix blocks the 'ge-'.

Polite Requests

Use 'Könnten wir...' to ask politely. 'Könnten wir den Termin vorverlegen?'

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'VOR' as 'Before' and 'VERLEGEN' as 'Moving'. So, 'Moving to Before'.

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar where an arrow pulls a box from Friday to Monday. That arrow is 'vorverlegen'.

Word Web

Termin Zeit Kalender früher vorziehen verschieben Deadline Planung

Challenge

Try to use 'vorverlegen' in three different tenses today: Present, Perfect, and with a Modal verb.

Word Origin

Composed of the prefix 'vor-' (before/forward) and 'verlegen' (to lay/place/move). 'Verlegen' itself comes from 'legen' (to lay).

Original meaning: To lay or place something further forward.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be careful not to vorverlegen too often, as it can be seen as disorganized.

In English, 'moving a meeting forward' can be ambiguous (sooner or later?). German is more precise.

Deutsche Bahn announcements often use 'vorverlegt' for schedule changes. Business emails in Germany frequently contain this word. News reports about election dates.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Office/Work

Deadline vorverlegen
Meeting vorverlegen
Terminbestätigung
Zeitplan anpassen

Doctor's Office

Termin vorverlegen
Warteliste
Absage
früher kommen

Travel

Abflug vorverlegt
Ankunft
Fahrplanänderung
Gleiswechsel

School/University

Prüfung vorverlegen
Vorlesung
Abgabefrist
Semesterplan

Socializing

Treffen vorverlegen
Grillabend
Kinoabend
früher treffen

Conversation Starters

"Könnten wir unser Meeting vielleicht um eine Stunde vorverlegen?"

"Wäre es möglich, den Termin auf Dienstag vorzuverlegen?"

"Ich habe eine gute Nachricht: Wir können den Start vorverlegen!"

"Warum wurde die Deadline so kurzfristig vorverlegt?"

"Passt es dir, wenn wir unser Abendessen etwas vorverlegen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über einen Tag, an dem du alle deine Termine vorverlegen musstest.

Ist es besser, Termine vorzuverlegen oder zu verschieben? Warum?

Wie reagierst du, wenn eine wichtige Deadline vorverlegt wird?

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der eine Vorverlegung dir geholfen hat.

Planst du deine Arbeit so, dass du Termine oft vorverlegen kannst?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'vorverlegen' is a separable verb. In a main clause, 'vor' goes to the end: 'Ich verlege den Termin vor.' In a subordinate clause, it stays together: '...weil ich den Termin vorverlege.'

The past participle is 'vorverlegt'. Because 'verlegen' starts with the inseparable prefix 'ver-', there is no 'ge' added to the stem, but the 'vor' prefix remains attached.

No, you 'vorverlegst' an event or an appointment. You cannot 'vorverlegen' a person. To say a person is coming earlier, use 'früher kommen'.

They are very similar, but 'vorverlegen' is more formal and technical for schedules. 'Vorziehen' is more common in spoken German and can also mean 'to prefer'.

Use 'auf' for a specific point in time (auf 10 Uhr) and 'um' for a duration (um eine Stunde).

Yes, especially in any professional context or when dealing with official appointments like doctors or government offices.

The most common word for 'to postpone' is 'verschieben' or more specifically 'nach hinten verschieben'.

The noun is 'die Vorverlegung' (feminine). Example: 'Die Vorverlegung des Termins war notwendig.'

Yes, very common: 'Der Termin wurde vorverlegt.' This is often used in official notifications.

It is 'vorverlegt'. The 'ge' is omitted because of the inseparable 'ver-' prefix in the base verb.