German word

Vorsprung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ʃprʊŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounlead

Example

Er hat einen Vorsprung im Rennen.

He has a lead in the race.

Illustration for Vorsprung (lead)

More examples

Beim Test hatte sie einen Vorsprung gegenüber den Mitschülern.

During the test, she had a lead over her classmates.

Core concept

A person or team stands ahead of its rivals because of an earlier start or a higher score.

Common phrases

  • einen Vorsprung haben

    have a lead

  • seinen Vorsprung ausbauen

    extend one's lead

Similar words

Vorteil: A favorable circumstance that gives someone an advantage.
Führung: First place or a position ahead during a competition.
Abstand: The measurable difference in time, points, or distance.

Definition in German

Ein Vorteil gegenüber anderen, durch den jemand zeitlich oder punktmäßig voranliegt.

Word origin

Vorsprung developed as a compound of vor, "before" or "in front," and Sprung, "jump," with the literal sense of a leap forward.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Vorsprung ausbauen means to extend an existing lead, whereas Vorsprung verlieren means to lose part of it.

Other meanings

  • gapnoun
  • head startnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word