German Conversation · Level 76
57 words
German word
vorfinden
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌfɪndn̩/
Meaning
- verbfind
Example
Im Zimmer findet man keinen Schlüssel vor.
No key can be found in the room.
More examples
Auf dem Markt fand sie viele frische Produkte vor.
At the market, she found many fresh products.
Core concept
A person opens a room and encounters its existing contents exactly as they are.
Common phrases
findet nichts vor
find nothing
findet sich in einer fremden Stadt vor
find oneself in an unfamiliar city
Similar words
finden: Locate a person or thing, either by searching or by chance.
antreffen: Come across a person or thing at a particular place.
entdecken: Notice or learn something previously unknown or unnoticed.
feststellen: Confirm a fact or condition through checking.
Definition in German
etwas beim Eintreffen oder beim Nachsehen antreffen, das bereits vorhanden ist.
Word origin
Vorfinden combines the separable prefix vor, meaning 'before' or 'in front', with finden, giving the sense of encountering something already present.
Usage tips
- Vorfinden is more specific than ordinary finden and often suits reports about what an inspection or arrival reveals.