It’s what happens when someone enters a room and says their name—or when you close your eyes and picture a flying elephant. In German, both are called die Vorstellung. This is your German word of the day, and it’s a word with more than one life.
The noun Vorstellung means imagination, idea, introduction, or even performance, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. You’ll see it in conversations, psychology books, theater schedules, and job interviews.
It’s a feminine noun, so we say die Vorstellung (still unsure about gender? Our clear, no-nonsense video lesson will help you get it instantly: https://deutschable.com/course/lesson-3-3/).
Pronunciation
Vorstellung is pronounced [FOR-shteh-loong].
- V is pronounced like an English F,
- or as in “for,”
- stell rhymes with “bell,”
- ung is nasal, like “oong,” and
- Stress is on the first syllable: VOR-stellung
It sounds formal but familiar—because it’s used in so many ways.
Example sentences:
Hast du eine Vorstellung davon, wie viel das kostet?
Do you have an idea of how much that costs?
Die Vorstellung beginnt um 19 Uhr.
The performance starts at 7 PM.
Ich war bei einer Vorstellungsgespräch.
I was at a job interview.
Er hat uns bei der Feier vorgestellt.
He introduced us at the party.
Nuance and usage tips
Vorstellung has several related meanings, which can be grouped like this:
1. Imagination / mental image / concept
- Ich habe keine Vorstellung davon. – I have no idea about that.
- Ihre Vorstellungskraft ist beeindruckend. – Her imagination is impressive.
Used in thinking, abstract ideas, or psychology.
2. Introduction
- Die Vorstellung der neuen Kollegen findet um 10 Uhr statt. – The introduction of the new colleagues takes place at 10.
Used in social, work, or formal settings where people are introduced.
3. Performance / show
- Wir gehen zur Abendvorstellung. – We’re going to the evening performance.
Common in theaters and cinemas.
4. Interview
- Vorstellungsgespräch – job interview
Literally, “introduction talk”
The meaning depends on context, but German speakers navigate it smoothly. You will too!
How does this word come up in real conversations?
As a beginner, you might encounter Vorstellung when someone introduces themselves, or when you’re invited to a Vorstellungsgespräch (job interview). It’s also common in expressions like:
- Ich habe keine klare Vorstellung davon. – I don’t have a clear idea.
- Darf ich um eine kurze Vorstellung bitten? – May I ask for a short introduction?
It’s a great word to learn early—it helps with jobs, friendships, thinking, and even movie nights.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Lena: Kennst du Tim schon?
Mara: Nein, noch nicht.
Lena: Tim, das ist Mara. Mara, das ist Tim.
Tim: Freut mich! Danke für die Vorstellung!
Lena: Do you already know Tim?
Mara: No, not yet.
Lena: Tim, this is Mara. Mara, this is Tim.
Tim: Nice to meet you! Thanks for the introduction!
Grammatical case examples:
Nominative:
Die Vorstellung war sehr spannend.
The performance was very exciting.
Accusative:
Ich erinnere mich an die Vorstellung.
I remember the introduction.
Dative:
Bei der Vorstellung war ich nervös.
I was nervous at the introduction.
Genitive:
Der Inhalt der Vorstellung war kreativ.
The content of the performance was creative.
Feminine case pattern: die, die, der, der
Word variations and language tidbits
Here are a few helpful related expressions:
- sich etwas vorstellen – to imagine something
- sich jemandem vorstellen – to introduce yourself
- die falsche Vorstellung haben – to have the wrong idea
- Vorstellungskraft – imagination
- Vorstellungsrunde – round of introductions
- Theatervorstellung / Kinovorstellung – stage or film performance
The verb vorstellen (separable!) is key to mastering all these meanings.
📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Vorstellung
🎥 Learn Vorstellung and the rest of the top 1000 German nouns in our free online video course: https://deutschable.com/nouns/
Ready for more German words of the day? Do you know what Wagen means? How about Wahnsinn? Find out!