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
vorwärts
forward
Describes progress or a positive development in a process or project.
EXAMPLE
Mit der neuen Strategie kommen wir bei dem Projekt endlich vorwärts.
With the new strategy, we're finally moving forward with the project.
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 vorne
at the front / forward
„Nach vorne“ names the front as the destination of a movement. „Vorwärts“, on the other hand, describes movement in the direction in front of the person. Someone who is supposed to reach a place farther forward goes nach vorne; someone who is not supposed to walk backward moves vorwärts.
vorwärts
Bitte geh vorwärts und nicht rückwärts durch den schmalen Gang.
Please walk forward, not backward, through the narrow corridor.
vorne
Bitte geh nach vorne zur ersten Tür des Busses.
Please go forward to the front door of the bus.
In real life
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