Vorspeise

starter

noun FOR-shpye-zuh Less Common

Also means

appetiser

Usage Note

Vorspeise is the first course before the main; vor means 'before'. It contrasts with Hauptspeise and Nachspeise. Plural Vorspeisen; common on menus as a heading.

Examples

"Als Vorspeise bestellen wir eine Suppe."

Natural Translation

As a starter we'll order a soup.

Literal Translation

As starter order we a soup.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Greetings by Region: Grüß Gott to Grüezi

German greetings change by region: say Moin in Hamburg, Grüß Gott in Bavaria, Grüezi in Switzerland. A map of every hello and goodbye, plus du vs. Sie.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

Order Food in German: Restaurant Phrases

Order food in German with confidence: use ich hätte gern, read the Speisekarte, ask die Rechnung bitte, and handle zusammen oder getrennt like a local.

June 5, 2026 5 min read