advance
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advance
The forward movement of a military unit or army toward the enemy or in order to capture territory.
Der Vormarsch der Truppen wurde durch heftigen Widerstand gestoppt.
The advance of the troops was stopped by fierce resistance.
The word is a clear compound of 'vor' (forward) and 'der Marsch' (the march). So it literally describes a march forward.
Der lange Marsch durch die Berge war sehr anstrengend.
The long march through the mountains was very exhausting.
In the figurative meaning, the fixed expression 'auf dem Vormarsch sein' (to be on the rise / to be gaining ground) is almost always used. It means that something is becoming increasingly popular, successful, or widespread.
Nachhaltige Produkte sind stark auf dem Vormarsch.
Sustainable products are strongly on the rise.
In a military context, 'Vormarsch' (advance) is often combined with verbs such as 'stoppen' (to stop), 'aufhalten' (to hold back), or 'fortsetzen' (to continue).
Die Armee konnte den feindlichen Vormarsch aufhalten.
The army was able to hold back the enemy advance.
You can recognize this figurative meaning when it is not about soldiers, but about abstract things. Typical subjects are ideas, technologies, trends, or social movements.
Die Digitalisierung ist in allen Lebensbereichen auf dem Vormarsch.
Digitalization is on the rise in all areas of life.
attack
'der Angriff' and 'der Vormarsch' can both occur in a military context. 'Angriff' means the hostile action itself, that is, the fighting or attacking. 'Vormarsch' means the movement forward toward the enemy or into an area. An advance can lead to an attack, but it is not exactly the same thing. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with the military and moving forward. If the attack is the focus, 'Angriff' fits. If the movement and the gaining of ground are important, 'Vormarsch' fits better.
Der Vormarsch der Armee wurde durch starken Regen verlangsamt.
The army's advance was slowed by heavy rain.
Nach dem Angriff waren mehrere Gebäude stark beschädigt.
After the attack, several buildings were badly damaged.