German word

Vorwort

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌvɔɐ̯t/

Meaning

  • neuter nounpreface

Example

Ich lese gerade das Vorwort.

I'm reading the preface right now.

Illustration for Vorwort (preface)

More examples

Im Vorwort erklärt die Autorin ihre Motivation.

In the preface, the author explains her motivation.

Core concept

A short opening passage stands before the main text and frames its purpose, contents, or creation.

Common phrases

  • im Vorwort

    in the preface

  • ein Vorwort lesen

    read a preface

Similar words

Vorrede: An opening note explaining a work's background or the reasons for writing it.
Einleitung: An introductory section that presents the theme and structure before the main text.

Definition in German

Textteil, der einem Buch oder Aufsatz vorangestellt ist und kurz in Inhalt, Absicht oder Entstehungsgeschichte des Werkes einführt.

Word origin

Vorwort is a native German compound of vor, meaning in front of, and Wort, meaning word.

Usage tips

  • Vorwort is neuter, so the standard forms are das Vorwort and die Vorworte.

Other meanings

  • forewordnoun

Opposites

  • Nachwortafterwordnoun

Word lists with this word