German word

Vorwand

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯vant/

Meaning

  • masculine nounexcuse

Example

Sie fand einen Vorwand, um später zu kommen.

She found an excuse to come later.

Illustration for Vorwand (excuse)

More examples

Sie nannte seine Entschuldigung einen Vorwand.

She called his apology an excuse.

Core concept

A thin screen makes a questionable decision look acceptable from the outside.

Common phrases

  • einen Vorwand finden

    find an excuse

  • als Vorwand benutzen

    use as an excuse

Similar words

Ausrede: An excuse offered to avoid blame or an awkward situation.
Entschuldigung: An apology that expresses regret and seeks the other person's forgiveness.
Rechtfertigung: A reason intended to demonstrate the legitimacy of an action or decision.
Ausflucht: An evasive excuse invented to avoid responsibility or difficulty.

Definition in German

Vorwand ist ein Grund oder eine Ausrede, die jemand nennt, um ein Verhalten zu rechtfertigen oder das eigentliche Motiv zu verbergen.

Word origin

The noun combines vor, 'in front of', with Wand, 'wall', and developed from the idea of a wall or screen covering what lies behind it.

Usage tips

  • The common construction unter dem Vorwand, dass introduces a claimed reason, with the dative form dem after unter.

Other meanings

  • covernoun

Opposites

  • Ehrlichkeithonestynoun
  • Aufrichtigkeitsinceritynoun

Word lists with this word