01
vorübergehend
temporary
Lasting only for a limited, usually short time; not permanent.
example
Die Straße ist wegen einer Baustelle nur vorübergehend gesperrt.
The road is only temporarily closed because of construction work.
vorübergehend
temporary
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Vorübergehend' (temporary) is the present participle of the separable verb 'vorübergehen' (to pass by / pass). This verb means 'vorbeiziehen' (to pass by) or 'vergehen' (to pass). The literal meaning is therefore 'passing by', which perfectly describes its temporary character.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmerz wird bald vorübergehen.
The pain will soon pass.
Adjective and adverb
The word can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb. As an adjective, it is declined; as an adverb, it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Das ist nur eine vorübergehende Lösung des Problems.
That is only a temporary solution to the problem.
Typical collocations
'Vorübergehend' (temporary / temporarily) is often combined with states that are not permanent. Common combinations are 'vorübergehend geschlossen' (temporarily closed), 'vorübergehend nicht erreichbar' (temporarily unavailable / unreachable), or 'eine vorübergehende Erscheinung' (a temporary phenomenon).
EXAMPLE
Die Webseite ist wegen Wartungsarbeiten vorübergehend nicht verfügbar.
The website is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance work.
Compare with
vorübergehend vs kurz
short / brief
'kurz' and 'vorübergehend' can both say that something does not last long. 'kurz' mainly emphasizes the short duration: something is over quickly. 'vorübergehend' emphasizes that a state is not permanent. This state can be brief, but it can also last a few days or weeks. 'kurz' fits well with conversations, breaks, or visits. 'vorübergehend' is more likely to fit states, solutions, or changes that will end later.
vorübergehend
Der Laden ist wegen eines Umbaus vorübergehend geschlossen.
The store is temporarily closed because of renovations.
kurz
Ich mache nur eine kurze Pause und arbeite dann weiter.
I’m just taking a brief break and then I’ll keep working.
In real life
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