01
vorwärts
forward
Indicates movement in the direction that lies in front of you.
example
Gehen Sie bitte zwei Schritte vorwärts und bleiben Sie dann stehen.
Please take two steps forward and then stop.
vorwärts
forward
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'vor' (in front/before) and the ending '-wärts' (-ward). The ending '-wärts' always indicates a direction. You can also find it in words like 'rückwärts' (backward), 'aufwärts' (upward), or 'abwärts' (downward).
EXAMPLE
Der Aufzug fährt nur aufwärts, nicht abwärts.
The elevator only goes upward, not downward.
Expressing progress
In the figurative meaning 'to make progress', 'vorwärts' (forward) is very often combined with the verb 'kommen' (to come). The phrase 'vorwärts kommen' means that you are making progress in a task or project.
EXAMPLE
Ich lerne jeden Tag Vokabeln, um mit meinem Deutsch vorwärts zu kommen.
I learn vocabulary every day in order to move forward with my German.
Context clue
You can tell whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended from the verb. Verbs of movement like 'gehen' (to go/walk) or 'fahren' (to drive/go) point to direction. Verbs like 'kommen' (to come) or 'bringen' (to bring) point to progress.
EXAMPLE
Fahr bitte noch ein Stück vorwärts, dann haben wir mehr Platz.
Please drive a little farther forward, then we'll have more space.
Compare with
vorwärts vs zurück
back
'zurück' and 'vorwärts' describe opposite directions of movement. 'zurück' means that you move toward the starting point or to a previous place. 'vorwärts' means that you move in the direction that lies in front of you. The contrast is especially clear with paths, vehicles, or body movements. Put simply: 'zurück' goes backward or back to the beginning, while 'vorwärts' goes forward.
vorwärts
Der Fahrer rollt mit dem Auto vorsichtig vorwärts.
The driver carefully rolls the car forward.
zurück
Nach dem Spaziergang gehen wir langsam zum Parkplatz zurück.
After the walk, we slowly go back to the parking lot.
In real life
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