predecessor
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predecessor
The person who held a particular position, office, or function before the current person.
Mein Vorgänger im Büro hat mir alle wichtigen Unterlagen übergeben.
My predecessor in the office handed over all the important documents to me.
The word is made up of 'vor' (before) and 'Gänger' (from 'gehen', to go). A 'Vorgänger' (predecessor) is therefore literally someone or something that 'went before'.
Der neue Chef ist viel freundlicher als sein Vorgänger.
The new boss is much friendlier than his predecessor.
To say whose predecessor is meant, you often use the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). Typical formulations are 'der Vorgänger von jemandem/etwas' (the predecessor of someone/something) or 'jemandes/etwas' Vorgänger' (someone's/something's predecessor).
Der Vorgänger des aktuellen Bürgermeisters war sehr beliebt.
The predecessor of the current mayor was very popular.
The meaning of 'Vorgänger' (predecessor) becomes clear from context. Words like 'Amt' (office), 'Position' (position), or 'Firma' (company) point to a person. Terms like 'Modell' (model), 'Version' (version), or 'Gerät' (device) refer to a product. 'Zahl' (number) or 'Reihe' (sequence) indicate the mathematical meaning.
Das neue Auto verbraucht weniger Benzin als sein Vorgänger.
The new car uses less gasoline than its predecessor.
successor
'der Nachfolger' and 'der Vorgänger' form a clear contrast. A 'Vorgänger' was previously in a position, or was the older version of a product. A 'Nachfolger' comes afterward and takes over the position or replaces the old model. This works for people, for example in an office or role, and also for devices or versions. Memory tip: The 'Vorgänger' was there before; the 'Nachfolger' comes afterward.
Meine neue Kamera ist leichter als ihr Vorgänger.
My new camera is lighter than its predecessor.
Im nächsten Monat wird Julian der Nachfolger des Teamleiters.
Next month, Julian will become the team leader's successor.