Fortschritt
/ˈfɔʁtˌʃʁɪt/
The English word 'advance' translates to German as Fortschritt.
Fortschritt (or Der Fortschritt) is used to describe progress or advancement. In common German collocations, you typically 'make' advances or progress by using the phrase Fortschritte machen. If you mean something happening in advance or beforehand, use the phrase Im Vorhinein. If you are describing something occurring earlier than expected or finishing ahead of schedule, use Vorzeitig. For providing an advance payment or performing a service before it is expected, the phrase Eine Vorleistung erbringen is used.
Meaning: to move forwards, to approach (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun Fortschritt is a compound word consisting of fort, meaning onward or forward and Schritt, meaning step.
Which one should you use?
While Fortschritt refers to progress or a forward movement, other words are used for financial contexts. Use Vorschuss specifically for an advance in money or a prepayment, and use Anzahlung when referring to a partial advance payment or a deposit for a purchase.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Fortschritt, and the plural form is Fortschritte (advances).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfɔʁtˌʃʁɪt/
Did you know?
- The word Vorschuss for a financial advance shares the same root as Schuss, which means 'shot' or 'burst'. It implies a quick 'injection' of funds.
- The English word 'progress' and the German word Fortschritt are linguistic twins. They are both direct calques from the Latin 'progressus', meaning 'a going forward'.
- In a military or formal context, to 'advance' troops or a position, one would use vorrücken rather than Fortschritt machen. Using Fortschritt in a battle would sound like you are discussing the progress of a scientific study.
Examples in context
- Die Medizin hat dramatische Fortschritte gemacht.Medical science has made a dramatic advance.This sentence shows how to use the plural form Fortschritte to describe progress in medical science.Tatoeba #1326969 by samueldora, translation #28117 by AlanF_US
- Trinkwasser mit Chlor zu versetzen ist der größte Fortschritt im Bereich der öffentlichen Gesundheit.Putting chlorine in drinking water is the biggest advance in public health.This sentence uses Fortschritt to describe a major advancement in public health.Tatoeba #13937693 by Waldelfe, translation #3204700 by carlosalberto
- Ich danke Ihnen im VorausI thank you in advance
- Haben Sie die Informationen im Vorhinein erhalten?Did you receive the information in advance?
- Ich kann eine Vorleistung erbringenI can make an advance payment
- Ich möchte im Voraus bezahlenI would like to pay in advance
- Er hat die Arbeit vorzeitig beendetHe finished the work in advance
- Der Fortschritt in der Technologie ist bemerkenswertThe progress in technology is remarkable
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are discussing a project at work.
- FelixGibt es einen Fortschritt bei deinem Projekt, Julia?Is there an advance in your project, Julia?
- JuliaJa, ich bin fast fertig mit der Planung.Yes, I am almost finished with the planning.
- FelixDas ist super, ich bin sehr zufrieden.That's great, I am very satisfied.
- JuliaDanke, Felix, ich zeige es dir morgen.Thanks, Felix, I will show it to you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Fortschritt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Fortschritt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
