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 kurzfristig
short-term / at short notice
Kurzfristig and vorübergehend can describe a solution or measure that is limited in time. Kurzfristig mainly emphasizes the short duration or short period involved. Vorübergehend places more emphasis on the expectation that a different or earlier state will return later.
vorübergehend
Die vorübergehende Lösung gilt, bis der Aufzug wieder repariert ist.
The temporary solution will remain in place until the elevator has been repaired.
kurzfristig
Die kurzfristige Lösung gilt nur für die nächsten drei Tage.
The short-term solution will apply only for the next three days.
In real life
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