vorübergehen

Vorübergehen is a German verb meaning to pass by or to elapse, especially referring to time, moments, events, or experiences that come and go and do not last. The term conveys the sense that something is temporary or fleeting.

Etymology and form: The verb combines vorüber- (a prefix indicating a position in front of and beyond, effectively meaning “past” or “by”) with gehen “to go.” It is a separable-prefix verb; in the present tense the prefix is typically separated: Die Nacht geht schnell vorüber. In perfect and other compound tenses the prefix remains attached to the participle: Die Nacht ist vorübergegangen.

Usage and nuance: Vorübergehen is commonly used with references to time or transient episodes, such as Die Zeit geht schnell vorüber or Der Moment ging rasch vorüber. It can also describe opportunities or feelings that pass without being seized: Eine Chance ging mir vorüber. The word often appears in formal or literary contexts, but is still widely understood in everyday language.

Relation to related terms: Vorübergehend means temporary or transient and is commonly used as an adjective or adverb. Vergehen is a more general verb meaning “to pass” or “to elapse” and can refer to time, moods, or events without the explicit sense of moving past a boundary. Vorüberziehen is similar in meaning to vorübergehen and is used when something passes by in a procession or crowd.

Examples: Die Nacht ging schnell vorüber. Die Jahre gingen wie im Flug vorüber. Es wird bald vorübergehen.

See also: vergehen, vorübergehend, vorüberziehen.