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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
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Meanings
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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' can both express that something happens earlier than expected or planned. 'früh' is neutral and very general. It can simply mean that someone comes or does something before the usual time. 'vorzeitig' often sounds more formal and emphasizes more strongly that something was actually intended to happen later. It fits especially with cancellation, ending, release, or decisions. Learners may confuse the words because both point to an earlier time. But 'vorzeitig' often carries the idea that the normal plan was not followed.
vorzeitig
Die Sitzung wurde vorzeitig beendet, weil wichtige Unterlagen fehlten.
The meeting was ended early because important documents were missing.
früh
Heute geht er früh nach Hause, weil er noch einkaufen muss.
Today he is going home early because he still has to go shopping.
In real life
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