der Vorlauf

Definition & meaning

der Vorlauf means a period or phase that comes before a main event or process. Its precise meaning depends on context:

• Lead time / advance notice: the time needed before something can begin or be delivered. For example, an order may require several weeks of lead time.
• Run-up / preparatory phase: the period of preparation before an event, launch, or activity.
• Initial flow or preliminary portion: in technical contexts, the part of a process or stream that comes first, before the main portion.

Grammar & Word origin

• Gender: masculine — der Vorlauf
• Plural: die Vorläufe
• Parts: vor- (“before” or “ahead of”) + Lauf (“run,” “course,” or “flow”).
• The word’s literal sense is something that “runs ahead” or occurs beforehand. Lauf is related to the verb laufen (“to run”).

Synonyms & antonyms

Possible synonyms include:

• die Vorlaufzeit ↗ — especially the amount of time needed in advance; more explicitly refers to a period of time.
• die Vorbereitungszeit ↗ — specifically the time spent preparing, rather than any preceding period.
• der Anlauf ↗ — a build-up or start-up phase; often suggests gaining momentum before the main activity.

A possible contrast is:

• der Nachlauf ↗ — a phase or period that follows the main process, rather than precedes it. It is not a direct antonym in every context.

Common phrases & collocations

• einen langen/kurzen Vorlauf haben ↗ — to require a long/short lead time.
• mit ausreichend Vorlauf planen ↗ — to plan sufficiently far in advance.
• der Vorlauf einer Bestellung ↗ — the lead time for an order.
• die Vorlaufzeit berücksichtigen ↗ — to take the lead time into account.