German word

Vorhang

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯haŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncurtain

Example

Der Vorhang ist zu.

The curtain is closed.

Illustration for Vorhang (curtain)

More examples

Sie öffnete langsam den Vorhang, um Tageslicht hereinzulassen.

She slowly opened the curtain to let in daylight.

Core concept

A movable sheet of fabric can cover a window or divide a room, opening and closing to control what passes through.

Common phrases

  • den Vorhang öffnen

    open the curtain

  • hinter den Vorhang blicken

    look behind the curtain

  • ein schwerer Vorhang

    a heavy curtain

Similar words

Gardine: A light, usually sheer fabric covering that softens daylight at a window.
Rollo: A window covering rolled around a tube and raised or lowered to adjust light.
Rollladen: A movable cover of interlocking slats that blocks light at a window.
Jalousie: A window blind with adjustable slats for finely controlling incoming light.

Definition in German

Ein beweglicher Behang vor Fenstern oder als Raumteiler, der durch Auf- und Zuschieben oder Aufziehen Licht reguliert und Privatsphäre schafft.

Word origin

The compound Vorhang joins vor, 'in front of', and the verb stem of hängen, 'to hang', for a covering hung in front of something.

Usage tips

  • Gardine usually refers to a light or sheer window curtain, while Vorhang is the broader and often heavier term.

Related words

  • Theatervorhangtheater curtainnoun

Word lists with this word