vorbei
[foːɐ̯ˈbaɪ̯]
The German word for 'over' is vorbei.
The word vorbei is used to indicate that an event, period of time or situation has reached its end. In a spatial context, it also functions as an adverb meaning 'past' or 'by', such as when walking past a building.
Meaning: physical positioning: on top of, above (prep)
Which one should you use?
While vorbei means 'over' when a situation is finished, it can also mean 'past' or 'by' when describing movement in a spatial context. In radio communication, specifically at the end of a sentence, the words Schluss or kommen may be used to signify that a transmission is over.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using über to mean that a situation is 'over' or finished (for example, saying 'Das ist über'). Instead, use vorbei to correctly describe an ended situation.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker says Ich gehe mal kurz vorbei, they are not saying something is 'over', but are announcing a casual, unplanned visit to someone's home.
- Saying Es ist vorbei can sound much more dramatic or final than saying 'it is over' in English, often implying a permanent end.
- The word vorbei is a combination of the prefix vor meaning 'before' or 'forward' and bei meaning 'at' or 'near'.
Examples in context
- Es ist fast vorbei.It's almost over.This sentence is useful for saying something is almost over with vorbei.Tatoeba #676045 by Manfredo, translation #42645 by CK
- Es ist bald vorbei.It will be over soon.This sentence is useful for saying something will be over soon with vorbei.Tatoeba #3299926 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3299579 by Hybrid
- Es ist alles vorbei.Everything is over.This sentence is useful for saying everything is over with vorbei.Tatoeba #1560949 by Zaghawa, translation #51675 by CK
- über die HügelOver the hills
- über den FlussOver the river
- das Treffen ist zu EndeThe meeting is over
- der Sturm ist vorbeiThe storm is over
- Ich denke nicht drüber nachI don't think about it
- Ich bin froh, dass die Prüfungen geschafft sindI'm glad the exams are over
- Die Fähre fährt über den See.The ferry is crossing over the lake.
- Das Konzert ist endlich vorbei.The concert is finally over.
- Die Reise ist geschafft!The journey is over!
- Er ist mit der Vergangenheit fertig.He is over the past.
- 307 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are walking to a cafe.
- JuliaGehen wir an dem Park vorbei?Are we walking past the park?
- MaximilianJa, wir laufen direkt daran vorbei.Yes, we are walking right past it.
- JuliaIch bin schon einmal an diesem Café vorbei.I have been past this cafe once before.
- MaximilianDann führen wir einfach an der Ecke vorbei.Then we'll just go past the corner.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vorbei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vorbei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
