01
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 Freude
joy
'die Freude' and 'die Vorfreude' are both positive feelings. 'Freude' is general and can arise during or after a pleasant event. 'Vorfreude' already exists beforehand, when you are looking forward to something nice. Learners may confuse the words because both are pleasant. The simple difference is time: 'Vorfreude' comes before the event; 'Freude' can be there in the moment itself or afterward.
Vorfreude
Ihre Vorfreude auf den Urlaub wächst jeden Tag.
Her anticipation of the vacation grows every day.
Freude
Auf der Feier war die Freude über das Wiedersehen sehr groß.
At the celebration, the joy over seeing each other again was very great.
In real life
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