der Vorabend
Translation
eve, the evening before
Examples
Am Vorabend der Prüfung war er nervös.
On the eve of the exam, he was nervous.
Wir trafen uns am Vorabend der Konferenz.
We met on the evening before the conference.
Grammar Patterns
on the eve ((of sth.)) On the eve of the trip, I couldn't sleep.
Similar Words
Synonyms: der Vortag (the day before); Antonyms: der Folgetag (the following day)
Etymology
Composed of 'vor' (before) and 'Abend' (evening). It literally means 'the before-evening'.
Memory Tips
Think of Christmas Eve, which in German is 'Heiliger Abend'. 'Vorabend' is the evening 'before' (vor) any important day.