German word

bevor

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈfoːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • conjunctionbefore

Example

Bitte schließe das Fenster, bevor du gehst.

Please close the window before you leave.

Illustration for bevor (before)

More examples

Sag mir Bescheid, bevor wir anfangen.

Let me know before we start.

Core concept

A time gate places one complete event on the earlier side of another event.

Common phrases

  • bevor wir anfangen

    before we start

  • bevor ich es vergesse

    before I forget it

Similar words

nachdem: Introduces a subordinate clause for an event that happens after another event.
bis: Marks the time or event up to which an action continues.
wenn: Introduces a clause for repeated events or a future time when something happens.
als: Introduces a clause about when a single past event happened.

Definition in German

Unterordnende Konjunktion, die einen Nebensatz einleitet und angibt, dass eine Handlung oder ein Zustand zeitlich vor einer anderen liegt

Word origin

Bevor continues Old High German bifora through Middle High German bevor, with an old element related to modern vor expressing temporal precedence.

Usage tips

  • Bevor introduces a subordinate clause, so its finite verb normally stands at the end.

Opposites

Word lists with this word