die  Vorauswahl

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌʔaʊ̯sˌvaːl/

🎯 What does "die Vorauswahl" mean?

Die Vorauswahl is a German noun that translates to preselection, preliminary selection, or shortlisting. It describes the process of making an initial selection from a larger group (of applicants, options, products, etc.) before the final decision is made. It's essentially a preliminary filtering step.

Imagine you have 100 applications for a job – die Vorauswahl helps you pick the 10 most promising candidates for an interview.

The word is feminine, so it always takes the article die.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Declension of Vorauswahl

The noun "Vorauswahl" is feminine. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

The plural form "die Vorauswahlen" is used less frequently but is grammatically correct, for instance, when referring to multiple separate preselection processes.

Example Sentences 📝

1. Nach der ersten Vorauswahl blieben nur noch fünf Kandidaten übrig.
   (After the first preselection, only five candidates remained.)
2. Die Jury trifft morgen eine Vorauswahl der eingereichten Filme.
   (The jury will make a preliminary selection of the submitted films tomorrow.)
3. Dank einer sorgfältigen Vorauswahl konnten wir den Prozess beschleunigen.
   (Thanks to careful preselection, we could speed up the process.)
4. Wir müssen eine Vorauswahl treffen, bevor wir die Details prüfen.
   (We need to make a preselection before checking the details.)

🌐 How is "die Vorauswahl" used?

"Die Vorauswahl" is commonly used in contexts where a large number of options need to be narrowed down:

• Bewerbungsverfahren (Application processes): HR departments make a Vorauswahl from the received applications.
• Wettbewerbe/Ausschreibungen (Competitions/Tenders): A jury makes a Vorauswahl of the submissions (films, books, projects).
• Produktauswahl (Product selection): Sometimes you make a Vorauswahl of products online before deciding in the store.
• Datenanalyse (Data analysis): A Vorauswahl of relevant data points before the actual analysis.

Difference from "Auswahl": While "Auswahl" can mean the final choice or the general act of choosing, "Vorauswahl" specifically refers to the preparatory, limiting selection stage.

🧠 Mnemonics for Vorauswahl

For the article (die): Many German nouns ending in "-wahl" are feminine: die Wahl (the choice), die Auswahl (the selection), die Stichwahl (the runoff election)... and thus also die Vorauswahl. Think of 'die' (she) making a preselection.

For the meaning: Think of "Voraus" as 'ahead' or 'beforehand'. Die Vorauswahl is the Wahl (choice) you make before the final selection happens. It's a step 'voraus' (ahead) in the selection process.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: "Auswahl" can sometimes sound similar but often means the final choice or the general process of choosing, not specifically the preliminary stage.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer bei der Vorauswahl der Urlaubsziele nur "Balkonien" vorgeschlagen?
– Weil er dachte, bei den aktuellen Preisen ist das die einzige realistische Option!

(Why did the computer only suggest "Balconia" [staying home on the balcony] in the preselection for holiday destinations?
– Because it thought, with current prices, that's the only realistic option!)

📜 Poem about Preselection

Hundert Namen, hell und klar,
Wer passt wirklich, ist das wahr?
Die Liste lang, die Zeit verrinnt,
Bis man die Besten daraus spinnt.

Ein Blick, ein Filter, schnell und klug,
Wer bleibt im Rennen, Zug um Zug?
Die Vorauswahl, ein erster Schritt,
Bringt Ordnung in den großen Ritt.

(A hundred names, bright and clear,
Who truly fits, is it sincere?
The list is long, time slips away,
Until the best are spun from the fray.)

(A glance, a filter, quick and smart,
Who stays in the race, right from the start?
The preselection, a first stride,
Brings order to the long, wide ride.)

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin der erste Schnitt im großen Haufen,
Lasse nur die Besten weiterlaufen.
Ob Job, ob Preis, ich helf' entscheiden,
Bevor die Letzten übrig bleiben.

Was bin ich?

(I am the first cut in the large heap,
Letting only the best onward leap.
Whether job or prize, I help decide,
Before the final few abide.)

(What am I?)

Lösung/Solution: die Vorauswahl

💡 More Insights

Word Composition:

"Vorauswahl" is a compound noun:

• voraus-: Prefix meaning 'beforehand', 'first', or 'in advance'.
• die Auswahl: Noun meaning 'choice', 'selection', or 'assortment'.

Together, they signify a selection made beforehand.

Related Verb:

The corresponding verb is vorauswählen (separable: ich wähle voraus - I preselect).