German word

Vordergrund

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔʁdɐˌgʁʊnt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounforeground

Example

In der Diskussion rückt das Thema in den Vordergrund.

In the discussion, the topic is coming to the fore.

Illustration for Vordergrund (foreground)

More examples

In der Fotografie steht der Vordergrund oft im Mittelpunkt.

In photography, the foreground is often the focus.

Core concept

In a picture, the nearest visible area stands out before the background; in thought, the most prominent concern does the same.

Common phrases

  • im Vordergrund stehen

    be in the foreground

  • etwas in den Vordergrund rücken

    bring ___ to the foreground

  • den Vordergrund betonen

    emphasize the foreground

Similar words

Hintergrund: The part situated behind the main subject in a picture or scene.
Mittelpunkt: The central point of importance in a discussion or setting.
Fokus: The main point on which attention or interest rests.
Schwerpunkt: The area or issue selected for special emphasis and effort.

Definition in German

Der vordere, vorrangig sichtbare Bereich einer Darstellung oder Sache; übertragen der besonders beachtete Punkt.

Word origin

The compound Vordergrund is formed from Vorder- ('front') and Grund ('ground'), with its concrete spatial sense extended to prominence and attention.

Usage tips

  • The phrase im Vordergrund stehen describes an existing state, whereas in den Vordergrund rücken describes something becoming prominent.

Opposites

Related words

  • vordergründigsuperficialadjective

Word lists with this word