vorgeben
to pretend
To act as if something were the case; to feign or simulate something that is not true.
EXAMPLE
Er gab vor, krank zu sein, um nicht zur Arbeit gehen zu müssen.
He pretended to be sick so he wouldn't have to go to work.
vorgeben
to pretend / specify
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Meanings
vorgeben
to specify
To set or determine something as a rule, guideline, or goal. It defines a standard that is meant to be followed.
EXAMPLE
Die Architektin hat die genauen Maße für das Fundament vorgegeben.
The architect specified the exact measurements for the foundation.
vorgeben
to give a handicap
In a competition or game, to grant a weaker opponent an advantage, for example a head start or a playing piece.
EXAMPLE
Beim Schachspiel gab sie ihrem jüngeren Bruder einen Bauern vor.
In the chess game, she gave her younger brother a pawn as a handicap.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorgeben' (to pretend / specify) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'vor' comes at the end; in a subordinate clause, the verb stays together; and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' comes between 'vor' and 'geben'.
EXAMPLE
Er gibt eine Erklärung vor.
He specifies an explanation.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context: If it is about deception, 'vortäuschen' (to pretend/feign) is meant. If it is about rules or goals, 'festlegen' (to set/specify) is meant. If it occurs in the context of a game, it often means 'einen Vorteil gewähren' (to grant an advantage).
EXAMPLE
Sie gab vor, müde zu sein, um gehen zu können.
She pretended to be tired so she could leave.
Sentence structure: pretending
In the meaning 'vortäuschen' (to pretend/feign), 'vorgeben' is very often used with an infinitive construction with 'zu' or a 'dass' clause. This construction describes what the person is pretending to be or do.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind gab vor, zu schlafen.
The child pretended to be sleeping.
Typical collocations
When 'vorgeben' means 'festlegen' (to set/specify), it is often combined with abstract concepts. Typical phrases are: 'die Richtung vorgeben' (to set the direction), 'ein Ziel vorgeben' (to set a goal), 'den Rahmen vorgeben' (to set the framework), or 'den Takt vorgeben' (to set the pace).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung gibt die politische Richtung für die nächsten Jahre vor.
The government sets the political direction for the coming years.
Dative construction
In the meaning 'einen Vorteil gewähren' (to grant an advantage), the person who receives the advantage is in the dative. The pattern is: jemandem (dative) etwas (accusative) vorgeben.
EXAMPLE
Der erfahrene Spieler gab seinem Gegner eine Figur vor.
The experienced player gave his opponent a piece as a handicap.
Compare with
vorgeben vs angeben
to state / boast / report
Angeben is used when someone signals the pace, rhythm, or direction through their actions. Vorgeben emphasizes more strongly that a pace is established as a goal, rule, or binding standard. Thus, a leading person gives the pace, while a plan specifies it.
vorgeben
Beim gemeinsamen Lauf gibt der Trainingsplan ein festes Tempo vor.
During the group run, the training plan specifies a fixed pace.
angeben
Beim gemeinsamen Lauf gibt die erfahrene Läuferin das Tempo an.
During the group run, the experienced runner sets the pace.
In real life
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