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.
preparation
Vorbereitung refers to the entire process of getting a project ready and can also mean general readiness. Vorarbeit, by contrast, consists of specific tasks completed before the main work. Use Vorbereitung for the overall process and Vorarbeit for individual tasks that have already been completed.
Die Vorarbeiten für das Projekt sind bereits erledigt.
The preparatory work for the project has already been completed.
Die Vorbereitung des Projekts dauert noch zwei Wochen.
Preparing the project will take another two weeks.
