vordringen
to advance
To move forward against resistance or through difficult terrain; to reach a particular point.
EXAMPLE
Die Forscher konnten bis tief in den Dschungel vordringen.
The researchers were able to advance deep into the jungle.
vordringen
to advance
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Meanings
zu jemandem vordringen
to get through to someone
To manage to make contact with a person or be heard by them, even though it is difficult.
EXAMPLE
Mit meinen Argumenten konnte ich einfach nicht zu ihm vordringen.
I simply couldn't get through to him with my arguments.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vordringen' (to advance / to get through to someone) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehrleute drangen langsam zum Brandherd vor.
The firefighters slowly advanced toward the source of the fire.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
Since 'vordringen' (to advance) describes directed movement, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be).
EXAMPLE
Die Truppen sind bis an die Grenze vorgedrungen.
The troops advanced as far as the border.
Prepositions of movement
To indicate the goal or direction of the movement, 'vordringen' (to advance) is often combined with prepositions such as 'in (+ Akkusativ)' (into + accusative), 'bis zu (+ Dativ)' (as far as + dative), or 'bis an (+ Akkusativ)' (up to + accusative).
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger sind bis zum Basislager vorgedrungen.
The mountaineers advanced as far as the base camp.
Fixed preposition
In the figurative meaning 'Kontakt aufnehmen' (to make contact), 'vordringen' (to get through to someone) is used with the fixed preposition 'zu' (to). You say 'zu jemandem vordringen' (to get through to someone).
EXAMPLE
Trotz vieler Versuche ist er mit seiner Kritik nicht zum Chef vorgedrungen.
Despite many attempts, he didn't get through to the boss with his criticism.
Compare with
vordringen vs eindringen
to penetrate / intrude
Eindringen and vordringen can both describe movement into foreign or difficult-to-access territory. Eindringen emphasizes entering a defined area, often against resistance or without permission. Vordringen, by contrast, emphasizes moving forward to a particular point.
vordringen
Die Wanderer drangen trotz des dichten Waldes bis zum Gipfel vor.
Despite the dense forest, the hikers advanced as far as the summit.
eindringen
Die Wanderer drangen trotz des Zauns in das abgesperrte Gelände ein.
Despite the fence, the hikers entered the restricted area.
In real life
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