German word

vorerst

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌeːɐ̯st/

Meaning

  • adverbfor now

Example

Wir verschieben das Treffen vorerst.

We are postponing the meeting for now.

Illustration for vorerst (for now)

More examples

Wir können das Thema vorerst nicht klären.

We cannot resolve the issue for now.

Core concept

A short-term arrangement marked as valid until circumstances or a decision changes.

Common phrases

  • vorerst nicht

    not for now

  • vorerst einmal

    for now

Similar words

erst einmal: Signals that a policy or measure is adopted initially for the time being.
vorläufig: Describes a temporary measure or state intended to last until circumstances change.
zunächst: Indicates what is handled first or at an early stage.
fürs Erste: Shows that the current situation will remain unchanged for the time being as it is observed.

Definition in German

Etwas gilt für die nahe Zukunft, aber nicht endgültig.

Word origin

The adverb vorerst grew from the elements vor, meaning "before" or "in front," and erst, meaning "at first" or "only then," in the older form vorest.

Usage tips

  • Vorerst usually points to an open future change, so it sounds less final than English "for now" can sometimes sound.

Other meanings

  • for the time beingadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word