Sometimes, the best part of an upcoming event isn’t the event itself—it’s Vorfreude.
Why do I need to know Vorfreude?
Vorfreude is a beautiful German word meaning “joyful anticipation” or “the happiness you feel while looking forward to something.” It describes that excited, almost sweet feeling when you’re counting down the days to a holiday, a concert, a visit from friends, or any event you’re eagerly awaiting.
It’s a widely used word in daily conversation, in mental health and mindfulness discussions, and even in marketing (think of airlines or holiday ads tapping into Vorfreude).
What does it mean?
Die Vorfreude (pronounced like this) combines vor (before) and Freude (joy). It refers to happiness felt in anticipation—the pleasure you get not from the thing itself, but from the knowledge that it’s coming.
Germans and Austrians see Vorfreude as a positive emotion worth savouring, not just a waiting period.
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Use it like this:
Die Vorfreude auf den Urlaub ist manchmal das Schönste.
(The anticipation of the holiday is sometimes the best part.)
Ich spüre schon die Vorfreude auf das Konzert nächste Woche.
(I can already feel the excitement for the concert next week.)
Vorfreude ist die schönste Freude.
(Anticipation is the greatest joy – a common saying.)
So whether you’re dreaming of your next trip, counting down to a reunion, or simply enjoying the thought of your evening plans, Vorfreude is the perfect word to capture that hopeful, happy glow.
