vorlagen

Vorlagen is a German noun with two main senses. In general usage it denotes templates, models or patterns that serve as starting points for creating something new. The singular Vorlage refers to a starting document or model, while the plural Vorlagen means multiple templates or drafts. The word comes from vorlegen, meaning to present or lay before for consideration.

In everyday and professional contexts, Vorlagen provide ready-made formats or boilerplate texts to speed up work. Examples include document templates such as a letter Vorlage, an invoice Vorlage, or Lebenslauf-Vorlage (resume template); form Vorlagen for applications, contracts or reports; and boilerplate language used when drafting texts. They are commonly supplied by software like word processors, spreadsheets, or content management systems.

In design, publishing and software, Vorlagen also act as blueprints for consistent output. Layoutvorlagen standardize page structure; presentation Vorlagen guide slide design; and website or email templates ensure uniform styling. In software development, code templates or template engines generate repetitive code or pages from a predefined structure.

In politics and law, the term Vorlage denotes a proposal or bill submitted to a legislative body. A government Vorlage can be a draft law (Gesetzentwurf) or a motion that initiates debate. The term appears in parliamentary records when proposals are prepared for discussion and decision.

Overall, Vorlagen is a polysemous term whose exact meaning depends on context: as templates in office and design work, or as proposals in political processes.