der Vordermann
Translation
person in front, predecessor, man in front
Examples
Mein Vordermann im Bus war sehr groß.
The person in front of me on the bus was very tall.
Er muss die Firma wieder auf Vordermann bringen.
He has to get the company back into shape.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) auf Vordermann bringen to get (sb./sth.) into shape He has to get the company back into shape.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Vorgänger; Antonyms: Hintermann, Nachfolger
Etymology
Composed of 'Vorder-' (front) and 'Mann' (man, person). Literally 'front man'.
Memory Tips
Picture the 'man' ('Mann') who is in 'front' ('Vorder-') of you in a queue.