Verb

vor|stellen

Translation

to introduce, to imagine, to present, to set forward

Darf ich Ihnen meinen Kollegen vorstellen?

May I introduce my colleague to you?

Ich kann mir das nicht vorstellen.

I can't imagine that.

Stell bitte die Uhr eine Stunde vor.

Please set the clock forward one hour.

((sb./sth.)) ((to sb.)) to introduce sb./sth. to sb. He introduces his parents to his girlfriend.

((oneself)) ((to sb.)) to introduce oneself to sb. I'll introduce myself to you.

((oneself.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to imagine sth. I can't imagine a life without you.

Synonyms: (introduce) bekannt machen; (imagine) sich ausmalen

`vor-` (before, in front of) + `stellen` (to put, to set). The literal meaning is 'to set before' or 'to place in front of'.

When you introduce someone, you `vor-stellen` (place them before) others. When you imagine something, you `vor-stellen` (place it before) your mind.