vorübergehend

Vorübergehend is a German word that functions as both an adverb and an adjective, meaning for a limited time, temporarily, or provisional. It describes states, measures, or arrangements that are not permanent and are expected to change.

Etymology and formation: The term is derived from the verb vorübergehen, meaning to pass by or to be temporary, combined with the form -gehend. The sense is that something is in a passing or transitional state, not in a lasting condition.

Usage: In everyday language it can appear as an adverb, as in Die Tür ist vorübergehend geschlossen (The door is temporarily closed). As an adjective, it describes a noun, for example eine vorübergehende Lösung (a temporary solution), vorübergehende Maßnahmen (temporary measures) or vorübergehende Unterbringung (temporary accommodation). In formal or technical contexts, vorübergehend often appears alongside terms indicating temporary status or provisional arrangements.

Nuance and alternatives: Vorübergehend is broadly synonymous with zeitweilig, temporär, or provisorisch, but there are subtle distinctions. Temporär can carry a more technical or planned sense of temporary work or equipment; zeitweilig emphasizes a period of time; provisorisch highlights a stopgap or provisional nature. The opposite of vorübergehend is dauerhaft or permanent, indicating something intended to last.

See also: Related concepts include vorübergehen (to pass by) as a verb and Das Vorübergehende as a nominal concept referring to a temporary state, though the latter is used less commonly in everyday language.

Overall, vorübergehend is a standard, neutral term used across formal and informal German to denote non-permanent conditions or actions expected to change in the near future.