German word

Vorgeschichte

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯gəˌʃɪçtə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbackground

Example

Die Vorgeschichte des Streits ist kompliziert.

The background to the dispute is complicated.

Illustration for Vorgeschichte (background)

More examples

Die politische Vorgeschichte des Abkommens ist komplex.

The political background of the agreement is complex.

Core concept

The past record surrounding a person or matter provides the context needed to understand what happens afterward.

Common phrases

  • die politische Vorgeschichte

    political background

  • familiäre Vorgeschichte

    family history

  • eine belastete Vorgeschichte

    a troubled past

Similar words

Hintergrund: The circumstances and environment surrounding a person or event.
Kontext: The surrounding situation and preceding or following details that clarify meaning.
Entstehung: The way an event or thing developed and came into existence.
Ursache: The specific cause directly responsible for a result.

Definition in German

Vorgeschichte sind frühere Umstände oder Ereignisse, die für das Verständnis eines späteren Vorgangs wichtig sind.

Word origin

Vorgeschichte is formed from vor- "before" and Geschichte "history or story", marking a history that precedes the relevant event.

Usage tips

  • Vorgeschichte focuses on the lead-up to a particular matter, while Hintergrund more broadly means background or context.

Other meanings

  • past historynoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word