preparatory work
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preparatory work
The preparatory activities that must be completed before the actual main work on a project or task can begin.
Dank seiner gründlichen Vorarbeit konnten wir das Projekt schnell und erfolgreich abschließen.
Thanks to his thorough preparatory work, we were able to complete the project quickly and successfully.
The word is made up of the prefix 'vor-' and the noun 'Arbeit' (work). Here, 'vor-' means 'before' or 'in advance.' So it literally describes the work you do before the main work.
Eine gute Vorbereitung ist die halbe Miete.
Good preparation is half the battle.
A very common fixed expression is 'Vorarbeit leisten' (to do preparatory work). Typical adjectives that describe 'Vorarbeit' (preparatory work) are 'gründlich' (thorough), 'sorgfältig' (careful), or 'umfangreich' (extensive).
Das Team hat hervorragende Vorarbeit geleistet.
The team did excellent preparatory work.
'Vorarbeit' (preparatory work) emphasizes that an activity is the necessary foundation for a later, larger task. It is the basis for the success of the actual project.
Die Recherche war eine wichtige Vorarbeit für das Buch.
The research was important preparatory work for the book.
planning
'die Planung' and 'die Vorarbeit' both belong to what happens before a task or project. 'Planung' mainly means thinking things through and deciding: What should happen, when, with whom, and how? It can also mean the finished plan. 'Vorarbeit' refers more to concrete preparatory work that you complete before the main work begins. This can include planning, but also collecting materials, checking information, or writing first drafts. The words can be confused because both are preparation. As a memory aid: Planung is the plan in your head or on paper; Vorarbeit is what you practically get done beforehand.
Durch die gute Vorarbeit kann das Team morgen direkt mit dem Projekt starten.
Thanks to the good preparatory work, the team can start the project right away tomorrow.
Für die Planung der Reise vergleichen wir zuerst die Preise.
For planning the trip, we first compare the prices.