bevor
before
Introduces a subordinate clause referring to a later event. The action in the main clause takes place first.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schalte das Licht aus, bevor du das Haus verlässt.
Please turn off the light before you leave the house.
bevor
before
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Meanings
bevor
rather than
Expresses that someone prefers another option to doing or allowing what is mentioned in the subordinate clause. Equivalent to 'eher als dass' (rather than).
EXAMPLE
Bevor ich bei dieser Firma noch einmal etwas kaufe, zahle ich lieber woanders das Doppelte.
Rather than buy anything from this company again, I'd prefer to pay twice as much elsewhere.
Usage tips
Verb at the end
'Bevor' (before / rather than) introduces a subordinate clause, so the conjugated verb goes at the end of that clause. The subordinate clause is separated from the main clause by a comma.
EXAMPLE
Wir räumen die Küche auf, bevor die Gäste kommen.
We'll tidy up the kitchen before the guests arrive.
Clause order
The subordinate clause introduced by 'bevor' (before) can come before or after the main clause. If it comes first, the conjugated verb in the main clause follows immediately after the comma.
EXAMPLE
Bevor der Unterricht beginnt, kontrolliert die Lehrerin die Anwesenheit.
Before the lesson begins, the teacher checks attendance.
Die Lehrerin kontrolliert die Anwesenheit, bevor der Unterricht beginnt.
The teacher checks attendance before the lesson begins.
Expressing rejection
In this use, 'bevor' (rather than) often appears at the beginning of a sentence and introduces an option that someone rejects or wants to avoid. The main clause then states the preferred action or option.
EXAMPLE
Bevor ich mich über diesen Fehler noch einmal ärgere, löse ich das Problem selbst.
Rather than get annoyed about this mistake again, I'll solve the problem myself.
Bevor sie den ganzen Abend allein zu Hause bleibt, geht sie lieber mit Freunden aus.
Rather than stay home alone all evening, she'd prefer to go out with friends.
In real life
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