All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termin | scheduled time; appointment | a meeting or fixed completion point | der Termin; plural Termine |
| Frist | time limit; allotted period | a period for replying or paying | die Frist; plural Fristen |
| Datum | calendar date | day, month and year | das Datum; plural Daten |
Termin
Meaning and usage: Termin can name an agreed appointment, the meeting itself or a fixed time by which something should happen. Use it when booking a doctor’s visit, arranging a meeting or discussing a scheduled event. It can also refer to a court hearing.
Grammar: Der Termin; genitive des Termins or Termines; plural die Termine. Einen Termin vereinbaren, verschieben or absagen. Einen Termin bei jemandem haben uses bei + dative.
Ich habe am Dienstag um neun Uhr einen Termin beim Zahnarzt.
I have a dentist’s appointment at nine o’clock on Tuesday.
Frist
Meaning and usage: Frist names an allotted period, often for an action such as sending documents or making a payment. English “deadline” often highlights its endpoint, while German can describe the whole Frist. A Frist begins, runs and expires; it can be extended.
Grammar: Die Frist; genitive der Frist; plural die Fristen. Eine Frist von zwei Wochen; eine Frist setzen, einhalten or verlängern. Für + accusative names the required action or purpose.
Für die Antwort gilt eine Frist von zehn Tagen.
There is a ten-day time limit for replying.
Datum
Meaning and usage: Datum names the calendar date, independent of what happens on that date. It is useful on forms, letters and event notices. The plural Daten also appears in information and computing, so context decides whether dates or data are meant.
Grammar: Das Datum; genitive des Datums; plural die Daten. Das Datum eintragen; nach dem Datum fragen uses nach + dative. “Datums” is a singular genitive, not the standard plural.
Welches Datum soll ich auf dem Formular eintragen?
Which date should I enter on the form?
Overlap and context
A submission notice might say Die Frist endet am 15. November: that date is the endpoint of the period. A fixed Abgabetermin may refer to the same practical requirement. The nouns organize the information differently, so the appointment-versus-deadline distinction is useful but not absolute. Always read the full notice to understand the requested action and time.
Common mistakes
- Avoid das Termin and der Frist: learn the nouns with der and die.
- Do not assume every Termin involves meeting another person.
- The plural of Datum is Daten, not Datümer or Datums.
Memory aid: Termin: fixed time. Frist: time allowed. Datum: the calendar label.
Try it
Complete: Bitte antworten Sie innerhalb einer ___ von sieben Tagen.
Show the answer
Frist
The phrase describes an allotted period for replying.