expression
above all, especially
B1
Vor allem means 'above all' or 'especially' and is used to emphasize a primary point or example. It's a neutral sentence adverb often placed before the emphasized element and can introduce clauses (e.g. 'vor allem, wenn...'). Specialties: not reflexive or prepositional; purely adverbial.
Examples
Vor allem solltest du jetzt auf deine Gesundheit achten.
Above all, you should look after your health now.
Die Helfer konzentrierten sich vor allem auf die Verletzten, als der Unfallort unübersichtlich war.
The helpers focused above all on the injured when the accident site was chaotic.
Ich mag Pizza, vor allem mit viel Käse.
I like pizza, especially with lots of cheese.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a list with one item at the very top highlighted and labeled 'VOR ALLEM' — the top item stands out.
Notes
'Vor allem' is a common connector to emphasize a point; register is neutral and widely used in spoken and written German.