vorzeitig
early
Taking place earlier than planned, expected, or usual.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des herannahenden Sturms wurde das Festival vorzeitig beendet.
Because of the approaching storm, the festival was ended early.
vorzeitig
early / premature
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
vorzeitig
premature
Too early in a natural or biological course; premature.
EXAMPLE
Der Sportler musste seine Karriere aufgrund einer Verletzung vorzeitig beenden.
The athlete had to end his career prematurely because of an injury.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'vor' (before) and 'zeitig' (from 'Zeit' — time). So it literally describes something that happens 'before its time'.
EXAMPLE
Er ging in den vorzeitigen Ruhestand.
He took early retirement.
Use as an adverb
'Vorzeitig' (early/prematurely) is very often used as an adverb to modify a verb. It then usually stands at the end of the sentence or before the past participle.
EXAMPLE
Das Spiel wurde wegen des starken Regens vorzeitig abgebrochen.
The game was called off early because of the heavy rain.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'etwas vorzeitig beenden' (to end something early, e.g. a career or a contract), 'vorzeitiger Ruhestand' (early retirement), or 'eine vorzeitige Entlassung' (early release) from prison.
EXAMPLE
Der Mietvertrag kann nicht vorzeitig gekündigt werden.
The rental contract cannot be terminated early.
Compare with
vorzeitig vs früh
early
Früh and vorzeitig both describe something that happens before the expected time. Früh gives a neutral indication of the time and does not require a fixed end point. Vorzeitig is especially appropriate when a planned or regular conclusion occurs earlier than scheduled. Use „früh“ generally and „vorzeitig“ when there is a clear plan or deadline.
vorzeitig
Die Sitzung endete vorzeitig, weil der Vorsitzende krank wurde.
The meeting ended early because the chairperson became ill.
früh
Wir gingen früh nach Hause, weil wir müde waren.
We went home early because we were tired.
In real life
Loading video examples...