adverb
before, previously
A2
Vorher means 'before' or 'previously' and is a temporal adverb indicating earlier time. It often contrasts with later events: 'Er kam vorher' = he came earlier. It's invariable, not reflexive, requires no preposition, and is common in both spoken and written German as a temporal connector.
Examples
Er prüfte vorher die Liste, bevor er die Dokumente unterschrieb.
He checked the list beforehand before he signed the documents.
Komm vorher kurz vorbei, dann besprechen wir es.
Drop by briefly beforehand and we'll discuss it.
Ich habe das vorher nicht gewusst.
I didn't know that beforehand.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a clock showing the time just before an event.
Sounds like 'for-hair' — think 'before' something happens.
Notes
Often used to sequence events; can be synonymous with 'zuvor'.