voraus

Voraus is a German word that functions as an adverb and, in various compounds, as a bound morpheme meaning “in advance,” “ahead of time,” or “beforehand.” It is most commonly encountered in the fixed expression im Voraus, used to indicate that something is done prior to a later event or action. The word can also appear in constructions that refer to preparation or anticipation, such as voraus denken (to think ahead).

Voraus appears in several common phrases and compound nouns. Examples include Vorauszahlung (advance payment), Voraussetzung (prerequisite or condition), and the verb voraussetzen (to assume or presuppose). The element also participates in verbs such as voraussichtlich (expected, predicted) when describing time frames or outcomes. In usage, voraus is invariable as an adverb and often appears in formal or written contexts when indicating foresight, planning, or payments made before a deadline.

Etymology and status: Voraus is of Germanic origin, linked to the preposition vor (before) and related directional or temporal particles. In modern German, it functions primarily as a component of compounds or fixed phrases, rather than as a freely declined independent word. Its meaning is closely tied to timing and sequence—events or actions occurring prior to another event.

See also: im Voraus, vorab, vorher, vorhergehend, voraussetzung, vorauszahlung.