Bevor / ehe
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
bevor + verb final; same tense in both clauses.
How it works
Bevor (before) introduces a subordinate clause and sends the verb to the end. It shows that one action comes before another. In the main clause the verb is in second position as usual. Bevor is followed by a clause, while vor (before) is followed by a noun: bevor wir gehen (before we leave) and vor dem Essen (before the meal).
When to use it
Use bevor (before) to put one action before another, with the verb at the end of the clause.
Use cases
- Describing a sequence of plans: Bevor ich schlafe, lese ich ein Buch
- Giving instructions in order: Bevor du gehst, mach das Licht aus
- Describing preparation: Bevor wir reisen, packen wir die Koffer
Examples
- Bevor ich gehe, rufe ich an – Before I go I will call
- Wir essen, bevor der Film beginnt. – We eat before the film starts.
- Bitte melde dich an, bevor du kommst. – Please register before you come.
- Ich habe alles geprüft, bevor ich unterschrieben habe. – I checked everything before I signed.
Common mistake
Using vor instead of bevor before a clause: "bevor ich gehe" is right.
Memory tip
Bevor = before (clause), vor = before (noun): vor dem Essen.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Verbs and Word Order: Tenses, Modals and Sentence Structure.