der  Abgabetermin

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈapɡaːbəˌtɛʁmiːn/

🗓️ What exactly is an Abgabetermin?

The German noun der Abgabetermin refers to the deadline or the final date/time by which something (e.g., an assignment, a project, an application) must be submitted or handed in. It's a specific type of Frist (deadline, time limit).

The word is composed of:

• die Abgabe (submission, handing in) - derived from the verb 'abgeben' (to hand in, to submit)
• der Termin (date, deadline, appointment)

It only takes the masculine article: der Abgabetermin. 🚨 Don't confuse it with die Abgabe (the act of submitting) or der Termin (a general date or appointment).

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Abgabetermin

The noun „Abgabetermin“ is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der Abgabetermin für die Hausarbeit ist nächster Montag.
   (The deadline for the term paper is next Monday.)
2. Bitte halte den Abgabetermin unbedingt ein!
   (Please be sure to meet the deadline!)
3. Wegen Krankheit wurde der Abgabetermin verschoben.
   (The deadline was postponed due to illness.)
4. Wir müssen die Abgabetermine für alle Projekte im Auge behalten.
   (We need to keep an eye on the deadlines for all projects.)

When and How to Use Abgabetermin? 🎯

The term Abgabetermin is very common and important in contexts such as:

• School & University: term papers (Hausarbeiten), theses (Abschlussarbeiten), projects (Projekte)
• Work & Profession: reports (Berichte), project phases (Projektphasen), proposals (Angebote), invoices (Rechnungen)
• Administration & Authorities: applications (Anträge), tax returns (Steuererklärungen)

Typical verbs and phrases:

• den Abgabetermin einhalten (to meet the deadline)
• den Abgabetermin verpassen/versäumen (to miss the deadline)
• den Abgabetermin verschieben (to postpone the deadline)
• einen Abgabetermin festlegen (to set a deadline)

Compared to Frist, Abgabetermin is more specific to the point in time for submission. Deadline is often used synonymously but is an Anglicism. Stichtag is similar but often emphasizes a fixed, unchangeable date for a specific purpose (e.g., for a census).

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Termin (the appointment/date). Since „Termin“ is masculine, the compound noun „Abgabetermin“ also stays masculine. Imagine der Boss (masculine) sets the Termin.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture you have to 'abgeben' (hand something in) like a report, and there's a specific 'Termin' (date/time) for it. That specific date is the Abgabetermin – the hand-in date (deadline).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Synonyms (similar meaning):

• die Frist: A more general term for a period or point in time by which something must be completed.
• der Stichtag: A fixed, often immovable date serving as a reference point.
• die Deadline: Anglicism, very common, means the same thing.
• der Einsendeschluss: Specifically for competitions, applications, etc., the deadline for sending something in.
• der Fälligkeitstermin: Often used for payments or invoices (due date).

Antonyms (opposite meaning):

A direct antonym is hard to find. Conceptual opposites could be:

• der Starttermin / der Beginn: The time when something starts.
• die Bearbeitungszeit: The period available for processing/working, not the endpoint.

⚠️ Risk of Confusion:

• der Liefertermin: Delivery date for goods.
• der Besprechungstermin: Meeting date/appointment.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum sind Abgabetermine wie Wolken?

Wenn sie sich verzogen haben, kann es ein schöner Tag werden! 😄

(Why are deadlines (Abgabetermine) like clouds? – When they've cleared off, it can turn into a beautiful day!)

📜 Poem about the Deadline

Die Uhr, sie tickt, die Zeit verrinnt,
Der Abgabetermin geschwind
Naht wie ein Schatten, dunkel, schwer,
Die Arbeit ruft, es muss noch mehr!
Doch ist's geschafft, die Last fällt ab,
Bis zum nächsten Termin - knapp!

(The clock, it ticks, time slips away,
The deadline swiftly comes this way
Approaches like a shadow, dark and deep,
The work calls out, more tasks to keep!
But when it's done, the burden's gone,
Till the next deadline - barely won!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe kein Gesicht, doch jeder kennt mein Datum.
Ich sorge oft für Stress, manchmal für ein Bohei darum.
Verpasst du mich, kann's Ärger geben,
Studenten und auch Chefs nach mir oft streben.

Was bin ich?

(I have no face, yet everyone knows my date.
I often cause stress, sometimes a fuss about it.
If you miss me, there can be trouble,
Students and bosses often strive for me.)

What am I?

Solution: der Abgabetermin (the deadline)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

Der Abgabetermin is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• die Abgabe: Noun derived from the verb abgeben (to hand in, submit).
• der Termin: A word of Latin origin (terminus = boundary, end, target).

Cultural Significance: In Germany, punctuality and adherence to deadlines (Fristen) are often considered very important. Therefore, the Abgabetermin often holds significant weight in planning and organization.