der  Meldeschluss

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɛldəˌʃlʊs/

⏱️ What exactly is der Meldeschluss?

Der Meldeschluss refers to the final point in time or deadline by which a registration, notification, or submission of documents must be completed for something (e.g., a course, an exam, a competition, an event). It's the registration deadline or submission deadline.

The word is a compound noun formed from:

• melden: to register, to report
• der Schluss: the end, the conclusion

It only takes the article der. It is a masculine noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of Meldeschluss in Detail

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

Singular

Plural

A plural form („die Meldeschlüsse“) is very uncommon and rarely used. Usually, people refer to „den Meldeschlüssen“ (the deadlines) for different events if needed.

Example Sentences

1. Der Meldeschluss für den Marathon ist morgen um Mitternacht.
   (The registration deadline for the marathon is tomorrow at midnight.)
2. Bitte beachten Sie den Meldeschluss für die Prüfungsanmeldung.
   (Please note the registration deadline for the exam registration.)
3. Wir haben den Meldeschluss leider verpasst.
   (Unfortunately, we missed the registration deadline.)
4. Bis zum Meldeschluss müssen alle Unterlagen eingegangen sein.
   (All documents must be received by the registration deadline.)

✅ How Meldeschluss is Used

The term „Meldeschluss“ is used whenever there is a fixed deadline for registration or signing up. It is very common in many areas:

• Education: Registration for courses, seminars, exams, degree programs (Studiengänge).
• Sports: Registration for competitions (Wettkämpfe), tournaments (Turniere), club memberships.
• Events: Registration for conferences (Konferenzen), workshops, festivals (Feste).
• Administration: Submission of applications (Anträge), notifications to authorities (Behörden).

Typical phrases include:

• Der Meldeschluss ist am [Date] um [Time]. (The deadline is on [Date] at [Time].)
• Bitte halten Sie den Meldeschluss ein. (Please adhere to the deadline.)
• Nach Meldeschluss können keine Anmeldungen mehr berücksichtigt werden. (No registrations can be considered after the deadline.)
• Den Meldeschluss verpassen. (To miss the deadline.)

It's a formal but widely understood term.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Here are a couple of memory aids:

For the article 'der': Think of der Schluss (the end). The end (Schluss) of a deadline period is masculine in German. Imagine the boss (masculine 'der Chef') setting the final point = der Meldeschluss.

For the meaning: Imagine you have to melden (report/register) somewhere, but the door is about to close – that's the Schluss (end)! So you must register before the Meldeschluss.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words

• Meldetermin: This is a fixed appointment (Termin) where you have to report in person (e.g., at an authority office), not the deadline itself.
• Meldefrist: Can be synonymous with Meldeschluss, but often emphasizes the duration (Frist = period) leading up to the deadline.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Wecker beim Marathon mitgemacht?

Er wollte den Meldeschluss nicht verschlafen!

(Why did the alarm clock participate in the marathon?
It didn't want to oversleep the registration deadline!)

🎶 Poem on the Topic

Die Uhr, sie tickt, die Zeit verrinnt,
Ein wichtiger Termin beginnt.
Ob Kurs, ob Lauf, ob großes Fest,
Der Zettel hier gibt dir den Rest:
Bis wann du dich noch melden kannst,
Bevor du die Chance ganz verpennst.
Drum schau genau, vergiss es nicht,
Sonst stehst du da, mit blassem Gesicht.
Das Wort dafür, kurz und famos?
Es ist der Meldeschluss, na los!

(The clock, it ticks, time flies away,
An important date begins today.
For course, or run, or party grand,
This note gives you the final stand:
By when you still can register,
Before you miss the chance, for sure.
So look closely, don't forget the day,
Or you'll be standing in dismay.
The word for it, short and renowned?
It is der Meldeschluss, get down!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Datum, eine feste Zeit,
verpasst du mich, tut's dir oft leid.
Für Kurse, Rennen oder Klausur,
bin ich die letzte Tür, die letzte Spur.

Wie heiße ich?

(I am a date, a fixed time,
if you miss me, it's often a crime (of sorts).
For courses, races, or an exam,
I am the last door, the final tram.

What am I called?)

Solution: Der Meldeschluss

💡 Additional Info

Word Composition (Kompositum):

The word „Meldeschluss“ is a typical German compound noun, composed of:

• The verb stem of melden (to register, report, sign up)
• The noun der Schluss (the end, conclusion)

So it literally describes the „end of registering“.

Cultural Relevance: Punctuality and adhering to deadlines (Fristen) are often considered important in Germany. Knowing and respecting the Meldeschluss is therefore relevant in many aspects of life.