01
vorhergehend
previous
Describes something that came directly before in time or in a sequence; former, earlier.
example
Im vorhergehenden Kapitel wurde die Hauptfigur eingeführt.
In the previous chapter, the main character was introduced.
vorhergehend
previous
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Vorhergehend' is the present participle of the separable verb 'vorhergehen'. This is made up of 'vorher' (beforehand) and 'gehen' (to go) and means 'to take place before something else in time or space.' So 'vorhergehend' describes something that 'goes before.'
EXAMPLE
Die vorhergehende Diskussion hat bereits viele wichtige Punkte geklärt.
The previous discussion has already clarified many important points.
Sentence structure
This word is used almost exclusively as an adjective before a noun and is declined accordingly. Using it on its own after a verb like 'sein' (to be) is very rare and sounds unnatural.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lesen Sie den vorhergehenden Absatz noch einmal.
Please read the previous paragraph again.
Typical collocations
'Vorhergehend' is often used in formal or written contexts to refer to a sequence. Typical nouns are 'Kapitel' (chapter), 'Absatz' (paragraph), 'Jahr' (year), 'Monat' (month), or 'Tag' (day).
EXAMPLE
Im vorhergehenden Jahr war der Umsatz deutlich höher.
In the previous year, revenue was significantly higher.
Compare with
vorhergehend vs folgend
following
'folgend' and 'vorhergehend' are clear opposites. Both words place things in a time order or sequence. 'folgend' means what comes afterward. 'vorhergehend' means what came directly before or earlier. In texts, plans, and reports, the words help make the order clear: 'folgend' points forward, 'vorhergehend' points back.
vorhergehend
Die Kosten sind höher, weil im vorhergehenden Monat mehrere Reparaturen nötig waren.
The costs are higher because several repairs were needed in the previous month.
folgend
Am Ende der Untersuchung erklärt die Ärztin die folgenden Schritte.
At the end of the examination, the doctor explains the following steps.
In real life
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