Vordersitz

Vordersitz is a German noun that denotes the front seat in a vehicle. It refers to the seating position in the forward row, typically the driver’s seat or the front passenger seat beside the driver. The term is commonly used in car manuals, traffic rules, insurance documents and everyday language to distinguish the front row from the rear seats (Hinterer Sitz).

Etymology and grammar: the word combines vor, meaning “front,” with Sitz, meaning “seat.” It is a masculine noun: der Vordersitz, des Vordersitzes, dem Vordersitz, den Vordersitz; plural Vordersitze.

Usage and context: in passenger cars, the Vordersitz usually comprises the driver’s seat and the front passenger seat. Modern vehicles offer various adjustments for the Vordersitz, such as height, recline, lumbar support and, in many models, electric controls. Front seats are typically equipped with features related to safety and comfort, including seat belts and airbags, and may also include heating, ventilation or memory settings. The designation is also used in buses, trucks and other motor vehicles to specify the front seating position. In safety contexts, the front seat occupant’s position can influence airbag deployment and the effectiveness of restraints, and there are guidelines about child seats and airbag deactivation when appropriate.

See also: Hinterer Sitz, Fahrersitz, Rücksitz. The term is primarily used in German-language contexts to distinguish the front seating position from rear seats and from specialized front-row arrangements in other vehicle types.