adjective
temporary, provisional, for the time being
B1
vorläufig is an adjective meaning temporary, provisional, or for the time being. It marks something interim or not final. Gradable: comparative vorläufiger, superlative am vorläufigsten. Antonym: endgültig. Common in formal contexts (decisions, measures, timetables) to signal that the status may change later.
Examples
Die Ergebnisse waren vorläufig, sodass das Komitee weitere Tests anordnete, bevor Entscheidungen getroffen wurden.
The results were preliminary, so the committee ordered further tests before decisions were made.
Diese Lösung ist vorläufig.
This solution is temporary.
Wir haben eine vorläufige Vereinbarung getroffen.
We reached a provisional agreement.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a sign that says 'temporary' taped up on a door — that's 'vorläufig'.
Think 'for-lay-fig' — something laid 'for now' not permanent.
Notes
Vorläufig describes something that is not final or is valid only for a limited time. Often used in formal and official contexts (e.g., 'vorläufige Ergebnisse').