01
vorlegen
to present
To present or submit something for examination, inspection, or approval.
example
Könnten Sie bitte Ihren Pass und das Visum vorlegen?
Could you please present your passport and visa?
vorlegen
to present / advance
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Vorlegen' (to present/advance) is a separable verb. The prefix 'vor-' carries the literal meaning 'forward' or 'in front of someone'. This basic idea appears in most of its meanings.
EXAMPLE
Beim Betreten des Gebäudes müssen Sie Ihren Ausweis vorlegen.
When entering the building, you must present your ID.
Word order
As a separable verb, the prefix 'vor-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er legt die Dokumente vor.
He presents the documents.
Dative construction
'Vorlegen' (to present/advance) is very often used with a dative object and an accusative object. The person to whom something is presented is in the dative, and the thing that is presented is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Studentin legte dem Professor ihre Arbeit vor.
The student presented her paper to the professor.
Context clue
The many meanings of 'vorlegen' (to present/advance) are best recognized from the object and the context. Whether it is about documents, money, food, or a ball determines the exact meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Stürmer hat das entscheidende Tor genial vorgelegt.
The striker brilliantly set up the decisive goal.
Typical collocations
In official or business contexts, 'vorlegen' (to present) is often combined with documents. Typical phrases are: 'einen Ausweis vorlegen' (to present an ID), 'einen Vertrag vorlegen' (to present a contract), or 'Beweise vorlegen' (to present evidence).
EXAMPLE
Für den Antrag müssen Sie eine Geburtsurkunde vorlegen.
For the application, you must present a birth certificate.
Compare with
vorlegen vs passen
to fit / suit / pass
'passen' and 'vorlegen' can both mean in sports that you play the ball to a teammate. 'passen' is the general term for a pass during play. 'vorlegen' is more specific: the pass puts the teammate directly into a good position, often for a shot or a goal. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in soccer. As a simple guide: every good setup is a pass, but not every pass is a setup.
vorlegen
Kurz vor dem Tor legt Mina den Ball perfekt für ihre Stürmerin vor.
Just before the goal, Mina sets up the ball perfectly for her striker.
passen
Im Training passt Tom den Ball schnell zu seinem Mitspieler.
In training, Tom quickly passes the ball to his teammate.
In real life
Loading video examples...