vorletzt
penultimate
Describes the position directly before the last position in an order or sequence.
EXAMPLE
Die entscheidende Szene befindet sich im vorletzten Kapitel des Buches.
The decisive scene is in the penultimate chapter of the book.
vorletzt
penultimate / second-to-last
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is a clear compound of 'vor' (before) and 'letzt' (last). So it literally means 'before the last one.'
EXAMPLE
Wir nehmen den vorletzten Zug um 18:30 Uhr.
We are taking the penultimate train at 6:30 p.m.
Typical collocations
'Vorletzt' (penultimate) is often used in reference to sequences in time or space. Typical combinations are 'der vorletzte Tag' (the penultimate day), 'die vorletzte Woche' (the week before last), 'das vorletzte Mal' (the second-to-last time), or 'der vorletzte Platz' (second-to-last place).
EXAMPLE
Das war das vorletzte Mal, dass ich ihn gesehen habe.
That was the second-to-last time I saw him.
Use as a noun
Like other adjectives, 'vorletzt' (penultimate) can also be used as a noun to refer to a person or thing in this position. It is then capitalized and declined.
EXAMPLE
Der Vorletzte im Rennen war völlig erschöpft.
The second-to-last runner in the race was completely exhausted.
In real life
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