German word

Vorarbeit

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌaʁbaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpreparatory work

Example

Wir müssen die Vorarbeit bis morgen erledigen.

We have to complete the preparatory work by tomorrow.

Illustration for Vorarbeit (preparatory work)

More examples

Ohne sorgfältige Vorarbeit gelingt das Projekt nicht.

Without careful preparatory work, the project will not succeed.

Core concept

The foundation, measurements, and initial arrangements that let a larger task proceed smoothly.

Common phrases

  • Vorarbeit leisten

    do preparatory work

  • die Vorarbeit erledigen

    complete the preparatory work

  • bei der Vorarbeit helfen

    help with the preparatory work

Similar words

Vorbereitung: Getting the necessary tools and procedures ready for a task.
Vorleistung: Advance work or services that make later work easier to carry out.

Definition in German

Arbeit, die vor einer Haupttätigkeit ausgeführt wird, um das weitere Vorgehen zu erleichtern.

Word origin

Vorarbeit combines the temporal element vor with the noun Arbeit and preserves the literal sense of work that comes first.

Usage tips

  • Vorarbeit is more specific than general preparation and often refers to concrete work already carried out before a project or process begins.

Other meanings

  • groundworknoun

Opposites

  • Nacharbeitfollow-up worknoun

Related words

  • vorarbeitendo preparatory workverb

Word lists with this word