der
Vorrat
📚 What does "der Vorrat" mean?
Der Vorrat refers to a quantity of things (often *Lebensmittel* (food), but also *Waren* (goods) or *Material* (material)) that are kept or stored for later use. It represents a *reserve* or *stock*.
- Meaning 1: An accumulated quantity of something to ensure future needs are met (e.g., *Lebensmittelvorrat* - food supply, *Papiervorrat* - paper stock).
- Meaning 2: The stock of goods in a shop or warehouse.
It is a masculine noun and is always used with the article der.
🧐 Grammar of "der Vorrat" in Detail
"Vorrat" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Vorrat |
| Genitive | des | Vorrat(e)s |
| Dative | dem | Vorrat(e) |
| Accusative | den | Vorrat |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Vorräte |
| Genitive | der | Vorräte |
| Dative | den | Vorräten |
| Accusative | die | Vorräte |
Example Sentences
- Unser Vorrat an Kaffee geht zur Neige.
(Our supply of coffee is running low.) - Wir müssen die Vorräte für den Winter auffüllen.
(We need to replenish the supplies for the winter.) - Der Laden hat einen großen Vorrat an neuen Produkten.
(The shop has a large stock of new products.) - Die Eichhörnchen legen einen Vorrat an Nüssen an.
(The squirrels build up a store of nuts.)
💡 How to use "Vorrat"?
"Vorrat" is commonly used in contexts involving things stored or kept for the future.
- Food: A Vorrat of pasta, canned goods, rice, etc., in the cellar or pantry. (Phrase: *"einen Vorrat anlegen"* - to build up a supply)
- Goods/Materials: A shop has a *Warenvorrat* (stock of goods), a factory has a *Materialvorrat* (stock of materials). (Phrases: *"auf Vorrat kaufen"* - to buy in bulk/stock up, *"nur solange der Vorrat reicht"* - only while stocks last)
- Abstract: You can also speak of a Vorrat of ideas, energy, or patience, although this is more figurative.
Common phrases:
- Einen Vorrat anlegen: To create/build up a supply.
- Auf Vorrat kaufen: To buy in stock, buy more than immediately needed for storage.
- Solange der Vorrat reicht: While stocks last (a common phrase for limited offers).
- Der Vorrat geht zur Neige: The supply is running low.
⚠️ Don't confuse "Vorrat" with "Vorsicht" (caution) or "Vortrag" (lecture/presentation).
🧠 Mnemonics for "der Vorrat"
Mnemonic for the article (der):
Imagine a hamster hoarding supplies; hamsters are often associated with hoarding. Hamster ends in -r, and it's der Vorrat. Or think: *Der* guy with the big storeroom has a huge *Vorrat*.
Mnemonic for the meaning (supply/stock):
Think "For a Rat race, you need a good Vorrat (supply) of energy!" Or break it down: *"vor"* means *before* or *in front*, and *"Rat"* sounds like *rations*. So, *Vorrat* is like having *rations* ready *before* you need them.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Der Bestand: Stock, inventory. Similar, often used for inventory or stock levels.
- Das Lager: Warehouse, store, stock. Refers more to the place of storage but can also mean the contents.
- Die Reserve: Reserve. Something kept back for emergencies or special purposes.
- Der Proviant: Provisions. Specifically for food supplies, often for journeys or expeditions.
Similar-sounding words (Be careful!):
😄 A little joke
DE: Warum hat der Hamster einen so großen Vorrat an Klopapier?
Er hat Angst vor dem nächsten "Klo-ckdown"! 😉
EN: Why does the hamster have such a large supply (Vorrat) of toilet paper?
He's afraid of the next "loo-ckdown"! 😉
📜 Poem about the Vorrat
DE:
Im Keller, dunkel, kühl und rein,
liegt er bereit, der Vorrat fein.
Konserven, Nudeln, Reis und Saft,
gibt für die Zukunft neue Kraft.
Der Vorrat, weise angelegt,
hat schon so manchen Sturm bewegt.
EN:
In the cellar, dark, cool, and clean,
lies ready, the fine supply (Vorrat) keen.
Cans, pasta, rice, and juice so bright,
give future strength with all their might.
The supply (Der Vorrat), wisely put aside,
has weathered many a stormy tide.
🧩 Little Riddle
DE:
Ich bin eine Menge, für später gedacht,
im Keller, im Schrank, gut bewacht.
Ob Essen, Papier oder Wein,
ich helfe dir, versorgt zu sein.
Was bin ich?
(Auflösung: der Vorrat)
EN:
I am a quantity, meant for later use,
in cellar or cupboard, safe from abuse.
Whether food, paper, or wine so grand,
I help you have provisions on hand.
What am I?
(Answer: der Vorrat / the supply)
✨ More Interesting Facts
Word Composition:
The word "Vorrat" is composed of the prefix "vor-" (meaning *ahead, before*) and the old word "Rat". Here, "Rat" doesn't just mean *advice*, but historically also *means, household, equipment*, or *provision/foresight*. So, "Vorrat" literally means something like "that which is kept ready beforehand / with foresight".
Cultural Significance:
In many cultures, especially those with cold winters or uncertain supply chains, creating *Vorräte* (supplies) (e.g., through canning, drying) has a long tradition and was vital for survival.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vorrat?
The German word Vorrat means supply, stock, or provisions. It is a masculine noun, so the correct article is always der Vorrat. The plural is die Vorräte.