der  Vorzug

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌtsuːk/

🧐 What does "der Vorzug" mean?

The noun der Vorzug (masculine) has several meanings:

• Advantage / Merit / Plus point: Something that makes a person, thing, or situation better or more desirable than others. Example: Der größte Vorzug dieses Autos ist sein geringer Verbrauch. (This car's biggest advantage is its low consumption.)
• Preference: The inclination to prefer one person or thing over another. Often used in the phrase "jemandem/etwas den Vorzug geben" (to give preference to someone/something). Example: Ich gebe dem Tee vor dem Kaffee den Vorzug. (I prefer tea over coffee / I give preference to tea over coffee.)
• Distinction / Special merit (often school/university): Recognition for outstanding performance, e.g., a certificate "mit Vorzug" (with distinction). Example: Sie hat ihr Studium mit Vorzug abgeschlossen. (She graduated with distinction.)

⚠️ It's always masculine: der Vorzug.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Der Vorzug

"Vorzug" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der schnelle Service ist ein klarer Vorzug dieses Restaurants.
  (The fast service is a clear advantage of this restaurant.)
• Er gab dem direkten Gespräch den Vorzug vor einer E-Mail.
  (He preferred a direct conversation over an email / gave preference to...)
• Welche Vorzüge hat dieses Modell gegenüber dem alten?
  (What advantages does this model have compared to the old one?)
• Ihr Sohn hat die Prüfung mit Vorzug bestanden.
  (Her son passed the exam with distinction.)
• Der Vorzug des Landlebens ist die Ruhe.
  (The advantage/merit of country life is the peace and quiet.)

💡 How to use "der Vorzug"?

"Der Vorzug" is often used to express positive qualities or a preference.

• In comparisons: It's used to highlight something. "Der Vorzug dieser Methode liegt in ihrer Einfachheit." (The advantage/merit of this method lies in its simplicity.)
• Expressing preference: The fixed phrase "jemandem/etwas den Vorzug geben" (to give preference to someone/something) is very common. "Wir geben diesem Kandidaten den Vorzug." (We prefer this candidate / give this candidate preference.)
• Evaluating performance: In an educational context, "mit Vorzug" signals excellent performance (with distinction).
• Difference from "Vorteil": "Vorteil" (advantage) is often more general and can also be material (e.g., Preisvorteil - price advantage). "Vorzug" often emphasizes a qualitative superiority or a personal preference. A Vorteil can be objectively measurable, while a Vorzug is often more subjective or refers to inherent qualities.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Vorzug"

Remembering the article: Think of other masculine words for positive attributes like "der Vorteil" (the advantage) or "der Pluspunkt" (the plus point). "Vorzug" belongs to this group. Or imagine: "Der boss gives you den Vorzug (preference)." (Boss = der Chef, masculine)

Remembering the meaning: Think of the verb "vorziehen" (to prefer). What you prefer (vorziehst) has a Vorzug (advantage/preference). Or: Imagine things racing like trains (Zug). The one that is ahead (vor) has the Vorzug (advantage).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Vorrang: (Priority/Precedence) Means something comes first in time or importance (e.g., Vorrang gewähren - to yield right of way).
• Vorrat: (Supply/Stock) An amount of something kept in reserve.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker dem Bleistift den Vorzug vor dem Kugelschreiber gegeben?

Weil er seine Fehler leichter ausradieren konnte – ein klarer Vorzug! 😄

(Why did the mathematician prefer the pencil over the ballpoint pen? Because he could erase his mistakes more easily – a clear advantage/Vorzug!)

📜 Poem about Preference (Vorzug)

Manch Ding hat einen Vorzug klar,
Der macht es besser, wunderbar.
Ob Stärke, Schönheit, schneller Lauf,
Man gibt ihm gern den Vorrang drauf.

(Some things have a clear advantage/merit,
That makes them better, wonderful.
Be it strength, beauty, faster run,
One gladly gives it precedence then.)

Doch wählst du weise, gibst du acht,
Welch Vorzug wirklich Freude macht.
Ist's Glanz und Schein, der schnell vergeht,
Oder Wert, der fest besteht?

(But choose wisely, pay attention,
Which advantage truly brings joy.
Is it glitter and shine, that quickly fades,
Or value, that firmly stays?)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Plus, kein Minus je,
Ich bring dich weiter, oh wie schee!
Man gibt mich gern, wenn man was mag,
Besonders an 'nem guten Tag.
In Zeugnissen steh ich für 'sehr gut'.
Wer bin ich? Na, hab Mut!

(I am a plus, never a minus,
I help you progress, oh how nice!
People like to give me when they like something,
Especially on a good day.
In certificates, I stand for 'very good'.
Who am I? Come on, be brave!)

Solution: der Vorzug

🌐 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Vorzug" is composed of the prefix "vor" (meaning 'fore', 'before', 'preferred') and the noun "Zug". The original meaning of "Zug" here is more along the lines of 'trait', 'characteristic', so it signifies a quality that brings something/someone 'to the fore' or makes it stand out.

Interesting Fact:

In older German, "Vorzug" could also mean 'lead' (as in a race) or 'privilege'.