German word

Vorstoß

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌʃtoːs/

Meaning

  • masculine nounadvance

Example

Sein Vorstoß überraschte alle.

His advance surprised everyone.

Illustration for Vorstoß (advance)

More examples

Die Regierung kündigte einen Vorstoß zur Reform an.

The government announced an advance toward reform.

Core concept

A force or idea pushes beyond a current boundary into unfamiliar ground.

Common phrases

  • einen Vorstoß ankündigen

    announce an advance

  • einen Vorstoß zurückweisen

    reject an advance

  • ein diplomatischer Vorstoß

    a diplomatic initiative

Similar words

Versuch: An attempt whose success is uncertain.
Vorschlag: A proposal put forward for approval or implementation.
Initiative: A self-initiated effort to achieve something or spur action.
Schritt: A single action or stage toward a goal.

Definition in German

Ein Versuch, in ein neues Gebiet oder Thema vorzustoßen, oft als erster Schritt.

Word origin

Vorstoß combines vor ('forward' or 'in front') with Stoß ('push' or 'thrust'), forming a noun for a push forward and an initiative.

Usage tips

  • Vorstoß is masculine, with the plural Vorstöße, and usually names a specific push or initiative rather than gradual Fortschritt.

Other meanings

  • offensivenoun
  • incursionnoun
  • attemptnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • vorstoßenadvanceverb

Word lists with this word