B2–C1 · CLF · CLF045

Before we can [X], we need to [Y].

EN · EnglishBefore we can [X], we need to [Y].
DE · GermanBevor wir [X] können, müssen wir [Y].
EN · English

Before  we  can automate the  check,  we  need  to define the  rule.

DE · German

Bevor  wir die  Prüfung  automatisieren können,  müssen  wir die  Regel  definieren.

Try variations5 · more examples

  1. EN · English

    Before  we  can compare the  systems,  we  need  to align the  identifiers.

    DE · German

    Bevor  wir die  Systeme  vergleichen können,  müssen  wir die  Kennungen  abstimmen.

  2. EN · English

    Before  we  can close the  issue,  we  need  to reproduce  it.

    DE · German

    Bevor  wir das  Problem  schließen können,  müssen  wir  es  reproduzieren.

  3. EN · English

    Before  we  can optimize  performance,  we  need  to measure the  bottleneck.

    DE · German

    Bevor  wir die  Performance  optimieren können,  müssen  wir den  Engpass  messen.

  4. EN · English

    Before  we  can remove the manual  step,  we  need  to test the  fallback.

    DE · German

    Bevor  wir den manuellen  Schritt  entfernen können,  müssen  wir den  Fallback  testen.

  5. EN · English

    Before  we  can trust the  metric,  we  need  to understand  what  it excludes.

    DE · German

    Bevor  wir der  Kennzahl  vertrauen können,  müssen  wir  verstehen,  was  sie  ausschließt.

Use this move when you want to…

Reasoning move · Condition

Condition

What it does

Make a prerequisite step explicit before moving to the next action.

When to use it

Use it when a team is jumping to implementation before resolving an earlier dependency.

Common mistake

Do not invent dependencies merely to delay action.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

Related reasoning patterns2

Nearby structures let you perform the same reasoning move in a different form.

  1. Without [X], [Y] cannot [V].Condition · same reasoning move · same study set · related logic
  2. Only if [X] can [Y].Condition · same reasoning move · same study set

Pattern Contrasts

Compare with a nearby structure

Public corpus examples

See this reasoning move in real sentences

The source sentence contains a reviewed cue that points toward this frame. Treat it as a bridge for practice, not as an equivalence claim.

ENParticipate in MeetingsI think we need more data before making a decision.