vorausgehen
precede · go ahead
Definition & meaning
The verb vorausgehen has two primary meanings in German:
- To go ahead / precede: To walk in front of someone or something else. It is used when someone physically leads the way or when something happens earlier in time than something else.
- To precede / set a precedent: In a more abstract sense, it means that an event serves as a prerequisite or an introductory step for a subsequent process.
Grammar & Word origin
vorausgehen is an inseparable verb (the stress is on the first syllable voraus-). It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object in the accusative case. It uses the auxiliary verb sein to form the perfect tense (e.g., Er ist mir vorausgegangen).
The word is a compound consisting of two parts:
- voraus: An adverb meaning "ahead," "in front," or "beforehand."
- gehen: The verb meaning "to go" or "to walk."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- vorangehen (to go ahead, to lead)
- vorauseilen (to hurry ahead)
- einhergehen (to accompany - in some contexts)
- vorhergehen (to precede in time)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Ein kurzer Bericht sollte dem Meeting vorausgehen.verb
A short report should precede the meeting.
Der Wanderführer geht der Gruppe immer voraus.verb
The hiking guide always goes ahead of the group.
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