01
davor
before that
Refers to a point in time before a mentioned or known event.
example
Die Besprechung beginnt um 10 Uhr, davor sollten wir noch einen Kaffee trinken.
The meeting starts at 10 o'clock; before that, we should have a coffee.
davor
before that / in front of it
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Structure: da + vor
'Davor' is a pronominal adverb and combines 'da' (which refers to something known) with the preposition 'vor' (before/in front of). The meaning of 'vor' determines whether 'davor' is meant temporally ('vor dem Termin' — before the appointment), spatially ('vor dem Haus' — in front of the house), or as part of a verb ('Angst haben vor' — to be afraid of).
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen um 20 Uhr ins Kino. Davor können wir noch etwas essen gehen.
We're going to the movies at 8 p.m. Before that, we can still go get something to eat.
Word order
As an adverb, 'davor' can stand in position 1 in a main clause. In this case, the conjugated verb follows in position 2 and the subject in position 3 (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Zuerst kommt die Arbeit, davor habe ich keine Zeit für Pausen.
First comes the work; before that, I don't have time for breaks.
Use with verbs
'Davor' replaces the combination 'vor + noun' when referring to something already mentioned. This is typical for verbs such as 'Angst haben vor' (to be afraid of), 'sich fürchten vor' (to be afraid of), 'sich schützen vor' (to protect oneself from), or 'warnen vor' (to warn about).
EXAMPLE
Die Prüfung ist sehr schwer. Alle Studenten haben Angst davor.
The exam is very difficult. All the students are afraid of it.
Compare with
davor vs vor
before / in front of
'vor' and 'davor' can both refer to a position, a point in time, or to fear and protection. 'vor' is a preposition and is used with a noun or pronoun, for example 'vor der Tür' (in front of the door), 'vor dem Essen' (before eating), or 'Angst vor dem Hund' (fear of the dog). 'davor' is an adverb and usually replaces a whole phrase that is already known. So you say 'Ich stehe davor' (I am standing in front of it) when it is clear what you are standing in front of. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that 'davor' often looks like 'vor + das'. A simple rule is: If you name the reference word directly, use 'vor'. If the reference word is already known, use 'davor'.
davor
Der Termin beginnt um zehn Uhr, aber ich muss schon davor im Büro sein.
The appointment starts at ten o'clock, but I have to be at the office before that.
vor
Vor der Reise hat sie noch ihre Eltern angerufen.
Before the trip, she called her parents.
In real life
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