Vorbereitung

Vorbereitung is a feminine German noun meaning the act or process of preparing for something. It encompasses planning, gathering information, practicing, and taking the necessary steps before a task, event, or decision. In everyday language people speak of die Vorbereitung auf eine Prüfung (preparation for an exam), Reisevorbereitung (travel preparation), and gute Vorbereitung (good preparation).

The word is formed from the prefix vor- meaning before and the verb bereiten (to prepare). As a noun it denotes the act of getting ready and is widely used across German-speaking regions. Its English cognate is preparation. The term occurs in many compound phrases, reflecting different contexts in which readiness is important.

Usage and contexts. In education and professional life, terms such as Prüfungsvorbereitung (exam preparation), Vorbereitungszeit, and Vorbereitungen are common. In sports, die sportliche Vorbereitung refers to training and conditioning before competitions. In the performing arts, Vorbereitung auf einen Auftritt denotes readiness for a performance. In science and industry, Probenvorbereitung or Probenvorbereitung describes the preparation of samples or experiments, while in travel and event planning, Reisevorbereitung covers logistical arrangements. In everyday planning, the idea of Vorbereitung underpins schedules, checklists, and rehearsal.

In legal and bureaucratic language, Vorbereitung may also describe preparatory steps related to a planned act, project, or process. While the exact implications vary by context, the core meaning remains the same: conducting the necessary groundwork to ensure successful execution or entry into the next phase.