das Vorgehen
approach
The way one acts when carrying out a task or dealing with a problem, proceeding step by step.
EXAMPLE
Das Vorgehen bei der Untersuchung wurde genau festgelegt.
The approach to the investigation was precisely defined.
das Vorgehen
approach / action
das Vorgehen
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Meanings
das Vorgehen gegen jemanden oder etwas
action against someone or something
A specific action or measure taken against a person, group, or problem.
EXAMPLE
Das Vorgehen gegen die Betrüger wurde von der Staatsanwaltschaft angeordnet.
The action against the fraudsters was ordered by the public prosecutor's office.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Vorgehen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Vorgehens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Vorgehen | – |
| accusative | das Vorgehen | – |
| dative | dem Vorgehen | – |
| genitive | des Vorgehens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Vorgehen' (approach / action) is a nominalized infinitive and derives from the separable verb 'vorgehen' (to proceed). The components 'vor' (forward) and 'gehen' (to go) help identify the word as a term for a planned course of action.
EXAMPLE
Für das weitere Vorgehen müssen zuerst alle Informationen geprüft werden.
Before deciding how to proceed, all the information must be checked first.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'Vorgehen' (approach) is often used with words such as 'planen' (to plan), 'festlegen' (to define), 'besprechen' (to discuss), or 'erklären' (to explain). Combinations such as 'systematisches Vorgehen' (systematic approach) and 'schrittweises Vorgehen' (step-by-step approach) are also very common.
EXAMPLE
Das Team besprach ein systematisches Vorgehen bei der Fehlersuche.
The team discussed a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
The preposition gegen
When 'Vorgehen' (action) refers to a measure taken against a person, group, or thing, it is usually followed by 'gegen' (against) with the accusative. The affected person or thing is named after 'gegen'.
EXAMPLE
Das konsequente Vorgehen gegen illegale Händler zeigte bald Wirkung.
The consistent action against illegal traders soon began to have an effect.
In real life
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