Translation of German word "vorstellen" to English

vorstellen

Meaning

Verb

Separable weak verb meaning 'to introduce someone' or with reflexive dative 'to imagine / picture'.

Reviewed by the TheLernen language teamDefinition sourced from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0)Last updated: June 16, 2026

How to use

vorstellen has two main uses: 1) jemanden vorstellen (to introduce someone) taking accusative; 2) sich (Dativ) etwas vorstellen (to imagine something, e.g. Ich kann mir das gut vorstellen — I can well imagine that).

🇬🇧 English

to introduce / imagine

Example

Ich möchte Sie meinen Freunden vorstellen.

I would like to introduce you to my friends.

Der Senator plant, den Gesetzentwurf in der nächsten Sitzung vorzustellen.

The senator plans to introduce the bill in the next session.

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All words in category: Core Verbs

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Synonyms

to imagine (often unrealistically)to introduce / make known

Common phrases

sich vorstellen— to introduce oneself / imagine
ein Vorstellungsgespräch— job interview

More Core Verbs words

teilnehmen vorbereiten diskutieren unterscheiden aussehen funktionieren passieren fehlen meinen aufpassen erscheinen erinnern

📖 Related grammar

The Perfekt Tense in German The Präteritum Tense in German Modal Verbs in German The Konjunktiv II in German Separable Verbs in German Full glossary →

🦊 Conjugation of the verb "vorstellen"Full conjugation →

Present Tense (Präsens)

ich (I)stelle vor

du (you)stellst vor

er/sie/es (he/she/it)stellt vor

wir (we)stellen vor

ihr (you pl.)stellt vor

sie/Sie (they/you formal)stellen vor

Simple Past (Präteritum)

ich (I)stellte vor

er/sie/es (he/she/it)stellte vor

Perfect (Perfekt)

ich bin/habe vorgestellt

Imperative (Imperativ)

dustelle vor

ihrstellt vor

Siestellen vor

Frequency rank: #265 in German

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the definition of the German word "vorstellen"?▼

The German word "vorstellen" is defined as: "Separable weak verb meaning 'to introduce someone' or with reflexive dative 'to imagine / picture'."

What does the German word "vorstellen" mean?▼

The German word "vorstellen" means "to introduce / imagine" in English.

How do you pronounce the German word "vorstellen"?▼

You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "vorstellen" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.

Can I see an example sentence with "vorstellen"?▼

Yes, here is a practical example: "Ich möchte Sie meinen Freunden vorstellen." (which translates as "I would like to introduce you to my friends.").