die  Vorgabe

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌɡaːbə/

🎯 What exactly is a Vorgabe?

Die Vorgabe (noun, feminine) mainly has two meanings:

1. Requirement, specification, instruction, guideline: This is the most common meaning. A Vorgabe is a defined rule, standard, specification, or instruction that must be met or followed. It defines what should be done or how something should be. Example: Die technischen Vorgaben für das Projekt sind sehr detailliert. (The technical specifications for the project are very detailed.)
2. Handicap, head start (in sports): Especially in golf or racing, die Vorgabe refers to an allowance given to weaker competitors to level the playing field, often in the form of points, strokes, or time. Example: Mit seiner Vorgabe von 18 Schlägen hatte er gute Chancen im Golfturnier. (With his handicap of 18 strokes, he had a good chance in the golf tournament.)

🚨 It's important to understand the context to grasp the correct meaning. The most frequent meaning relates to rules or requirements.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Vorgabe

The word "Vorgabe" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences 📝

• Wir müssen uns strikt an die Vorgaben des Kunden halten. (We must strictly adhere to the customer's requirements/specifications.)
• Die gesetzlichen Vorgaben sind eindeutig. (The legal requirements/stipulations are clear.)
• Welche Vorgabe hast du beim Golf? (What is your handicap in golf?)
• Der Läufer erhielt eine Vorgabe von fünf Sekunden. (The runner received a head start of five seconds.)

💡 How to Use "Vorgabe"?

"Die Vorgabe" is used in various contexts:

• Work & Project Management: Refers to requirements, specifications, deadlines, or budgets that must be met. (Die Budget-Vorgabe darf nicht überschritten werden. - The budget specification must not be exceeded.)
• Production & Technology: Describes technical standards, quality requirements, or production targets. (Die Maschine erfüllt alle Sicherheitsvorgaben. - The machine meets all safety requirements.)
• Law & Administration: Denotes legal provisions, guidelines, or regulations. (Es gibt klare Vorgaben für den Datenschutz. - There are clear regulations for data protection.)
• Sports: Mainly as a handicap (e.g., golf) or a head start (e.g., running, sailing) to compensate for different skill levels.

Distinction from similar words:

• Anweisung (Instruction): Usually a more direct and concrete command to do something. A Vorgabe can be more abstract (e.g., a quality standard).
• Richtlinie (Guideline): Often less strict than a Vorgabe; more like a recommendation or framework.
• Bedingung (Condition): Something that must be fulfilled for something else to happen (often in contracts).

🧠 Mnemonics for Vorgabe

For the article (die): Remember that many feminine German nouns end in -e, like die Vorgabe. Think of it as "Die guideline" – both feminine and ending in 'e'.

For the meaning (Instruction/Handicap): Imagine someone gives (-gabe) you instructions before (Vor-) you start: that's the Vorgabe (instruction/specification). Or in sports, they give (-gabe) you points before (Vor-) the game: that's the Vorgabe (handicap).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: Words like Auftrag (order/task) or Aufgabe (task/assignment) are related, but an Auftrag is usually a specific work assignment, while a Vorgabe often sets the framework or rules for it.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Kennen Sie die Vorgaben für Pünktlichkeit?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Nein, aber ich kann mich gerne verspäten, um sie kennenzulernen!"

(Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Do you know the requirements for punctuality?"
The employee replies: "No, but I'm happy to be late to get to know them!")

📜 Poem about Vorgabe

Die Vorgabe, klar und fest,
hält uns auf dem rechten Rest.
Im Job, im Spiel, sie zeigt den Pfad,
damit man keinen Fehler hat.
Mal Richtlinie, mal Handicap,
sie gibt den Rahmen, Schritt für Schritt.

(Translation: The guideline/specification, clear and firm,
keeps us on the right remainder/path.
In work, in games, it shows the way,
so that one makes no mistake.
Sometimes guideline, sometimes handicap,
it provides the framework, step by step.)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin eine Regel, oft auf Papier,
im Büro und beim Sport steh ich vor der Tür.
Mal bin ich ein Standard, mal ein Ziel,
mal helf ich dem Schwachen im Wettkampfspiel.

Was bin ich?

(Translation:
I am a rule, often on paper,
In the office and in sports, I stand at the door.
Sometimes I'm a standard, sometimes a goal,
Sometimes I help the weak in the competitive game.

What am I?)
(Solution: die Vorgabe)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Vorgabe" is composed of:

• vor-: Prefix, here meaning "predetermined," "set beforehand," or "serving as a guideline."
• Gabe: From the verb "geben" (to give), here in the sense of something given or established (not in the sense of a gift).

So, it literally describes something that was "given before" or predetermined.