adverb
a little while ago, earlier, just now
B1
vorhin is a temporal adverb meaning a little while ago, earlier, or just now. It indicates a recent past event. It does not take a specific preposition, is not reflexive, and uses no auxiliary verbs. Common in spoken German when referring to something that happened shortly before.
Examples
Der Zug fuhr vorhin pünktlich ab, obwohl es am Morgen Störungen gab.
The train departed on time a short while ago, although there were disruptions in the morning.
Vorhin war noch Sonne, jetzt ist es bewölkt.
Earlier it was sunny; now it's cloudy.
Ich habe vorhin mit ihr telefoniert.
I spoke with her a little while ago.
Details
Mnemonics
picture someone pointing backwards while saying 'vorhin' to indicate a short time ago
think 'before-hint' — a hint from just before
Notes
Temporal adverb indicating something that happened a short time before the current moment. Common in spoken German.