der
Vorgeschmack
👃 What does 'der Vorgeschmack' mean?
Der Vorgeschmack (noun, masculine) describes a first, often small experience or impression of something that is yet to come in full. It can refer to an actual taste (rarely) but more commonly refers to a feeling, a hint, or a preview.
- Literally: A small bite or sip to test the taste before eating or drinking more (used less often).
- Figuratively (more common): A hint, a first impression, or a preview of something in the future (e.g., an event, an experience, an atmosphere).
There is only the article der for this word. There are no other meanings associated with 'die' or 'das'.
🧐 Grammar of 'Vorgeschmack' in Detail
The noun Vorgeschmack is masculine. Here is the declension in the singular:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Vorgeschmack |
| Genitive | des | Vorgeschmack(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Vorgeschmack(e) |
| Accusative | den | Vorgeschmack |
⚠️ Plural: The plural form (die Vorgeschmäcke) is very rare and mostly used in elevated or poetic language. In everyday German, people usually paraphrase, talking about 'mehrere Vorgeschmäcke' (several foretastes) or 'verschiedene Eindrücke' (different impressions).
Example Sentences
- Der Trailer gab uns einen guten Vorgeschmack auf den Film.
(The trailer gave us a good preview of the movie.) - Die erste warme Brise war ein Vorgeschmack auf den Frühling.
(The first warm breeze was a foretaste of spring.) - Kann ich bitte einen kleinen Vorgeschmack von der Soße haben?
(Can I please have a little taste of the sauce? - literal meaning, less common) - Seine scharfe Antwort war nur ein Vorgeschmack seines Ärgers.
(His sharp answer was just a foretaste of his anger.)
💡 How to use 'Vorgeschmack'
The term der Vorgeschmack is mainly used figuratively to describe a foreboding, hint, or first impression of something to come.
- Typical Contexts: Often used in connection with future events (holiday, project, season), movies (trailer), books (reading sample), or also emotions and atmospheres.
- Phrases: You often hear "einen Vorgeschmack auf etwas bekommen/geben/haben" (to get/give/have a foretaste of something).
- Comparison: While 'Kostprobe' usually refers to food or drink, 'Vorgeschmack' is broader and often metaphorical. 'Andeutung' (hint) or 'Ahnung' (inkling, hunch) are more abstract and less concrete than a 'Vorgeschmack'.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Überraschung: (surprise - something unexpected, without a foretaste)
- Ungewissheit: (uncertainty - no idea what's coming)
- Vollendung / Abschluss: (completion / conclusion - the actual event/result)
Watch out: Don't confuse with 'Vorurteil' (prejudice), which is a preconceived opinion, not a first impression or taste.
😂 A little joke
Warum hat der Koch dem Gast nur einen Löffel Suppe gegeben?
Er sagte: "Das ist nur ein Vorgeschmack. Wenn Sie mehr wollen, müssen Sie das ganze Menü bestellen – und bezahlen!" 😉
(Why did the chef only give the guest one spoonful of soup?
He said: "That's just a foretaste. If you want more, you have to order – and pay for – the whole menu!") 😉
✒️ Poem about 'Vorgeschmack'
Ein Hauch von Sommer in der Luft,
Ein erster Ton, ein süßer Duft.
Ein kleiner Blick durchs Schlüsselloch,
Der Vorgeschmack, er reizt uns doch.
Er lässt uns hoffen, lässt uns sehnen,
Nach dem, was kommt, nach neuen Szenen.
Ein Versprechen, leis' und sacht,
Hat die Erwartung angefacht.
(A hint of summer in the air,
A first note, a sweet scent to share.
A little peek through the keyhole's lock,
The foretaste, it entices, round the clock.)
(It lets us hope, it lets us yearn,
For what's to come, for lessons to learn.
A promise, gentle, soft, and slight,
Has kindled expectation's light.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin kein ganzes Mahl, nur ein Bissen klein,
Zeig dir, was kommt, lass dich schon mal hinein.
Ich kann ein Gefühl sein, ein erster Blick,
Auf Freude, Ärger oder künftiges Glück.
Was bin ich?
(I'm not a whole meal, just a tiny bite,
I show you what's coming, let you glimpse the light.
I can be a feeling, a first quick glance,
At joy, or anger, or future chance.)
What am I?
Solution: der Vorgeschmack (the foretaste/preview)
🧩 Word Breakdown & Trivia
The word Vorgeschmack is composed of:
- Vor-: Prefix meaning 'before', 'first', or 'in advance'.
- Geschmack: The noun for the sense of taste when eating/drinking, or also for style/preference.
Together, it signifies a 'prior taste' or 'advance impression'.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vorgeschmack?
The noun Vorgeschmack is always masculine, so the correct article is der. It means a first hint or impression of something to come, usually in a figurative sense.