vorbeugen

to lean forward, bend forward

verb FOR-boy-gen Rare

Also means

to prevent illness

Usage Note

Vorbeugen has two common meanings: physically bending the torso forward, and figuratively preventing something (einer Erkrankung vorbeugen). Context usually makes it clear.

Examples

"Beug dich vor und fass mit beiden Händen die Zehen."

Natural Translation

Lean forward and touch your toes with both hands.

Literal Translation

Bend yourself forward and grasp with both hands the toes.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

German Two-Way Prepositions: Accusative or Dative?

Use accusative for movement into a place (wohin?) and dative for a fixed location (wo?). Master all nine German two-way prepositions with one simple test.

June 9, 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

GermanNow

German False Friends: 25 Words That Trick You

German false friends like Gift (poison) and bekommen (to receive) trick English speakers daily. Here are 25 words that mean the opposite of what you'd guess.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

How Long Does It Take to Learn German? Real Timeline

How long to learn German? Conversational B1 takes ~6–12 months, fluent B2 about 1.5–2.5 years part-time. Here's an honest, hours-based timeline by CEFR level.

June 9, 2026 5 min read