verb
to plan, to intend
B1
Vorhaben: 'to plan' or 'to intend'. A mixed, non‑reflexive verb with separable prefix (present: ich habe vor, du hast vor). Uses haben as auxiliary; Partizip II: vorgehabt. Irregular mainly through haben's forms (hat/hatte). Common for intentions or planned activities and future arrangements.
Examples
Die Studierenden hatten vor, am Wochenende zu lernen, weil die Prüfung in der nächsten Woche stattfand.
The students intended to study at the weekend because the exam took place the following week.
Ich habe nichts Besonderes vorgehabt.
I didn't have anything special planned.
Ich habe vor, nächste Woche nach Berlin zu fahren.
I'm planning to go to Berlin next week.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine putting a small flag in a calendar date marking a plan you 'have' ahead.
Think 'for-have' — you 'have' something 'for' the future (a plan).
Notes
Vorhaben is separable (vor + haben) and often used in the construction 'etwas vorhaben' meaning to plan or intend. It forms the past participle 'vorgehabt' and takes the auxiliary 'haben'.