Introduction to Vor
The German preposition vor has multiple meanings based on context. It can mean "before" or "ago" when referring to time, or "in front of" when referring to location. Vor is a dative preposition when used with static positions and can be accusative for dynamic actions.
1. Vor as "Ago" (Temporal Use)
When vor is used with time expressions, it usually means "ago." In this usage, vor is always followed by a dative case.
Ich bin vor einem Jahr nach Berlin gezogen. - I moved to Berlin a year ago.
Das Konzert war vor zwei Wochen. - The concert was two weeks ago.
2. Vor as "Before" (Temporal Use)
When vor is used in the sense of "before," it describes an event that occurs before another event. In this usage, it is often paired with events or times.
Ich habe das Abendessen vor dem Kino gemacht. - I made dinner before the cinema.
Bitte ruf mich vor dem Meeting an. - Please call me before the meeting.
3. Vor as "In Front of" (Spatial Use)
When vor is used to describe physical locations, it means "in front of." It can describe both stationary (dative) and dynamic (accusative) actions.
Das Auto steht vor dem Haus. - The car is parked in front of the house.
Er stellte sich vor das Publikum. - He stood in front of the audience.
4. Idiomatic Expressions with Vor
Some idiomatic expressions use vor to express emotions or states.
Er zittert vor Angst. - He is shaking with fear.
Sie weint vor Freude. - She is crying with joy.
Note: Remember to use the dative case with stationary locations (vor dem Haus) and accusative with dynamic actions (vor die Tür stellen).