premature
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premature
Taking place earlier than expected, planned, or appropriate.
Deine Glückwünsche sind etwas verfrüht, die Prüfungsergebnisse sind noch gar nicht da.
Your congratulations are a bit premature; the exam results aren't even out yet.
The word is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'früh' (early). The prefix 'ver-' here expresses that something happens 'zu früh' (too early) or early in an inappropriate way.
Eine verfrühte Abreise könnte Verdacht erregen.
A premature departure could arouse suspicion.
'Verfrüht' (premature) is often combined with events or feelings that are tied to a specific point in time. Common combinations are 'verfrühte Freude' (premature joy), 'verfrühte Panik' (premature panic), or 'eine verfrühte Schlussfolgerung' (a premature conclusion).
Freu dich nicht zu sehr, deine Freude könnte verfrüht sein.
Don't get too excited; your joy could be premature.
'Verfrüht' (prematurely/early) can also be used like an adverb to describe a verb. It then remains unchanged in the sentence.
Wir sind eine Stunde verfrüht am Bahnhof angekommen.
We arrived at the train station an hour early.
early
'früh' and 'verfrüht' can both mean that something happens before the expected time. 'früh' is neutral: it can be good, bad, or simply a time reference. 'verfrüht', on the other hand, usually means that something is too early and not yet suitable or appropriate. It often has a critical meaning, for example with a decision, reaction, or hope. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to an earlier time. The important difference is: 'verfrüht' usually evaluates the timing as problematic.
Die Freude über den Sieg war verfrüht, denn das Ergebnis wurde noch geprüft.
The joy over the victory was premature, because the result was still being checked.
Vor der Reise steht Paul früh auf und packt den Rest ein.
Before the trip, Paul gets up early and packs the rest.