die Vorfreude
anticipation
The feeling of joy and excitement while looking forward to an upcoming positive event.
EXAMPLE
Die Vorfreude auf den Urlaub ist oft die schönste Freude.
The anticipation of a vacation is often the best kind of joy.
die Vorfreude
anticipation
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Vorfreude' (anticipation) is a very transparent word. It is made up of the preposition 'vor' (before) and the noun 'Freude' (joy). So it describes the joy you already feel before an event.
EXAMPLE
Schon Wochen vor der Reise war ich voller Vorfreude.
Weeks before the trip, I was already full of anticipation.
Correct preposition
The feeling of 'Vorfreude' (anticipation) always refers to something in the future. For this, German uses the preposition 'auf' with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spüren schon die Vorfreude auf Weihnachten.
The children can already feel the anticipation of Christmas.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Vorfreude' (anticipation) are 'Vorfreude haben' (to have anticipation), 'Vorfreude spüren' (to feel anticipation), or 'Vorfreude empfinden' (to feel anticipation). You can also say that 'die Vorfreude steigt' (the anticipation grows).
EXAMPLE
Je näher der Geburtstag rückt, desto mehr steigt die Vorfreude.
The closer the birthday gets, the more the anticipation grows.
Compare with
Vorfreude vs Spannung
tension / suspense / voltage
Spannung and Vorfreude can both arise before an anticipated event. Spannung emphasizes the uncertain outcome and does not have to be positive. Vorfreude, by contrast, refers to looking forward joyfully to something positive. When the focus is mainly on pleasant anticipation, Vorfreude is the right term.
Vorfreude
Vor der Reise wächst die Vorfreude, weil Mia endlich ihre Freunde wiedersieht.
The anticipation is growing before the trip because Mia will finally see her friends again.
Spannung
Vor der Reise steigt die Spannung, weil noch unklar ist, ob das Wetter mitspielt.
The suspense is building before the trip because it is still unclear whether the weather will cooperate.
In real life
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