German word

vorbei

Pronunciation

IPA/foːɐ̯ˈbaɪ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbover

Example

Die Party ist vorbei.

The party is over.

Illustration for vorbei (over)

More examples

Das Konzert ist so gut wie vorbei.

The concert is almost over.

Core concept

A person or event has moved past a point, so it is no longer there or ongoing.

Common phrases

  • so gut wie vorbei

    almost over

  • schon vorbei

    already over

  • bald vorbei

    over soon

Similar words

nicht mehr: Indicates that a former state or condition no longer applies.
zu Ende: Brought to completion and now finished.

Definition in German

Bedeutet, dass etwas bereits abgeschlossen ist und nun nicht mehr andauert; adverbial verwendet.

Word origin

German vorbei comes from Middle High German vurbî and reflects vor and bei; its spatial sense of passing by developed into the temporal sense of being over.

Usage tips

  • For a completed event, the common pattern is vorbei sein, using sein rather than haben.

Other meanings

  • pastadverb
  • byadverb

Related words

Word lists with this word