Looking up...
Vorhalle
/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌhalə/
What does "Vorhalle" mean?
forecourtDie Gäste warteten in der Vorhalle des Hotels.
The guests waited in the forecourt of the hotel.
How to use "Vorhalle" correctly?
formal
An open area or entrance hall in front of a building, often serving as a waiting or transition space.
Die Vorhalle des Bahnhofs war überfüllt mit Reisenden.
The forecourt of the train station was crowded with travelers.
In der Vorhalle des Museums hingen Informationen über die aktuellen Ausstellungen.
Information about the current exhibitions was displayed in the museum's forecourt.
Commonly used in architecture and public buildings like museums, train stations, or large hotels.
Collocations
in der Vorhallein the forecourtVorhalle des Museumsmuseum forecourtöffentliche Vorhallepublic forecourt
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translation for small entrances
In German, 'Vorhalle' implies a spacious, often architecturally distinct area. For small residential entrances, use 'Eingangsbereich' or 'Vorbau' instead.
Gold Rule
Use for formal contexts
Reserve 'Vorhalle' for formal or large buildings like museums, train stations, or government buildings. It is not typically used for home entrances.
Word Origin
Compound of 'vor' (before, in front) + 'Halle' (hall), dating back to Middle High German 'vorehalle'. The prefix 'vor-' indicates position or precedence, while 'Halle' refers to an enclosed space.
Usage Notes
The term 'Vorhalle' is typically used for formal or large-scale buildings. In everyday language, 'Eingangsbereich' or 'Vorbau' might be more common. Avoid using it for small residential entrances.
Word Breakdown
vor
before/front
prefixHalle
hall
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch