provisorisch

Provisorisch is a German adjective and adverb meaning temporary, interim, or provisional. It describes arrangements, measures, decisions, or conditions that are intended to last only for a short time or until a later, more permanent solution is established. The term is commonly used for things that are not final and may be replaced or revised as more information becomes available or as circumstances change. Examples include a provisorische Lösung (temporary solution), eine provisorische Genehmigung (provisional permit), or eine provisorische Brücke (temporary bridge).

Etymology and related terms: Provisorisch derives from the noun Provisorium, which in turn traces back to Latin and Old French roots related to provision or provisionary status. The form provisorisch is the standard German adjective with the common suffix -isch, and provisorisch can also modify verbs in a limited sense when describing how something is done in a provisional manner, though it is primarily used with nouns.

Usage notes: In legal and administrative contexts, provisorisch is often used to describe measures, orders, or approvals that are explicitly temporary pending a final decision or further investigation. It is closely related to, but not perfectly interchangeable with, vorläufig; vorläufig emphasizes being not final in time, while provisorisch stresses the provisional, interim character of the arrangement. In everyday language, provisorisch commonly appears in phrases about temporary fixes, accommodations, or arrangements.

See also: vorläufig, temporär, Provisorium, provisional.