German word

Vorfreude

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌfʁɔʏ̯də/

Meaning

  • feminine nounanticipation

Example

Die Vorfreude vor dem Urlaub ist deutlich spürbar.

The anticipation before the vacation is clearly palpable.

Illustration for Vorfreude (anticipation)

More examples

Sie öffnete das Paket mit Vorfreude.

She opened the package excitedly.

Core concept

A pleasant feeling grows while a wanted event is still ahead.

Common phrases

  • mit Vorfreude

    with anticipation

  • wachsende Vorfreude

    growing anticipation

  • voller Vorfreude

    full of anticipation

Similar words

Erwartung: A mental readiness based on the expectation of a future event.
Hoffnung: An optimistic wish for a favorable future outcome.
Freude: A satisfying feeling of happiness in the present moment.

Definition in German

Freude, die man bereits vor dem Eintreten eines Ereignisses empfindet; positive Erwartung.

Word origin

Vorfreude is a transparent compound of vor ('before') and Freude ('joy'), meaning joy felt in advance.

Usage tips

  • Vorfreude commonly takes auf plus the accusative for the anticipated event, as in 'Vorfreude auf den Urlaub'.

Other meanings

  • excitementnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • vorfreudiganticipatoryadjective

Word lists with this word