die
Fristverlängerung
⏳ What Exactly is a Fristverlängerung?
The German noun die Fristverlängerung means the extension of a deadline to a later date. It refers to an extension of the period available to complete a task, submit documents, or fulfill an obligation.
Because the word ends in "-ung", it is feminine. Therefore, the correct article is always die.
Typical contexts include:
- Submission deadlines (e.g., Steuererklärung - tax return, Hausarbeit - term paper)
- Payment deadlines
- Project durations
- Objection periods
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Fristverlängerung
The noun "Fristverlängerung" is feminine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fristverlängerung |
| Genitive | der | Fristverlängerung |
| Dative | der | Fristverlängerung |
| Accusative | die | Fristverlängerung |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Fristverlängerungen |
| Genitive | der | Fristverlängerungen |
| Dative | den | Fristverlängerungen |
| Accusative | die | Fristverlängerungen |
Example Sentences
- Ich muss dringend eine Fristverlängerung für meine Seminararbeit beantragen.
(I urgently need to request an extension for my term paper.) - Die Fristverlängerung wurde vom Finanzamt leider abgelehnt.
(Unfortunately, the tax office rejected the extension.) - Dank der Fristverlängerung habe ich genug Zeit, das Projekt abzuschließen.
(Thanks to the extension, I have enough time to complete the project.) - Mehrere Fristverlängerungen wurden bereits gewährt.
(Several extensions have already been granted.)
🗓️ When and How to Use "Fristverlängerung"?
The term "Fristverlängerung" is mostly used in formal or official contexts, especially in administrative procedures (Behördenverkehr), legal matters (Rechtswesen), academic settings (Studium), or professional life (Berufsleben).
- One beantragt (applies for) a Fristverlängerung.
- A Fristverlängerung is gewährt (granted) or abgelehnt (rejected).
- It is often submitted in writing and usually requires justification.
A similar word is Aufschub (postponement, deferral). While "Fristverlängerung" specifically refers to extending a clearly defined period, "Aufschub" can also mean a more general postponement or delay, sometimes without a fixed new deadline.
⚠️ Avoid using the word in very informal conversations where simply saying "need more time" or "hand it in later" is sufficient.
💡 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
For the article: Think of other feminine German words related to time or administration, especially those ending in "-ung": die Frist (deadline), die Verwaltung (administration), die Verlängerung (extension). Words ending in "-ung" are almost always feminine. So, it's die Fristverlängerung.
For the meaning: Break down the word: Frist (deadline) + Verlängerung (extension). It logically means the extension of a deadline. Imagine the Frist (a line on the calendar 🗓️) being made longer (verlängert).
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Aufschub: Often synonymous, but sometimes less formal or precise regarding the new deadline. Means postponement or deferral.
- Stundung: Usually refers specifically to payment deadlines (deferral of payment).
- Galgenfrist: Colloquial term for a short, final extension before serious consequences (literally 'gallows deadline', meaning reprieve).
- Terminverschiebung: Refers more to rescheduling a specific appointment rather than extending a period.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Fristablauf: The expiry of the original or extended deadline.
- Termin: The fixed (due) date/appointment.
- Deadline: (Anglicism) The end of the period.
- Fristverkürzung: The opposite, a shortening of the deadline (rare).
Similar but Different Words
- fristgerecht: Adjective; means punctual, done within the deadline.
- fristlos: Adjective; means without notice, immediate (e.g., fristlose Kündigung - immediate termination/dismissal).
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Student beim Finanzamt angerufen?
Er wollte eine Fristverlängerung für seine Steuererklärung beantragen – er dachte, 'Steuer' wäre die Mehrzahl von 'Steuerrad' und er bräuchte mehr Zeit zum Navigieren! 🚢🧾
Translation: Why did the student call the tax office? He wanted to request an extension (Fristverlängerung) for his tax return ('Steuererklärung') – he thought 'Steuer' (taxes) was the plural of 'Steuerrad' (steering wheel/helm) and needed more time to navigate!
📜 A Poem About Deadlines
Die Uhr tickt laut, die Zeit verrinnt,
Die Abgabefrist beginnt.
Panik steigt, die Arbeit ruht,
Ein Antrag braucht jetzt neuen Mut.
"Bitte, bitte, nur ein paar Tage mehr!"
Die Hoffnung auf die Fristverlängerung, so hehr.
Ein kleines Wort, das Rettung schafft,
Und neue Zeit und neue Kraft.
Translation:
The clock ticks loudly, time flies by,
The deadline starts, way up high.
Panic rises, work takes a pause,
A request now needs a courageous cause.
"Please, please, just a few more days!"
The hope for the extension, in noble ways.
A little word that brings relief,
And grants new time and new belief.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Aufschub, oft erbeten,
wenn Termine drohen zu platzen, fast zertreten.
Ich schenke Zeit, wenn sie knapp wird,
damit die Aufgabe noch fertig wird.
Was bin ich?
(... Die Fristverlängerung)
Translation:
I am a postponement, often requested,
when deadlines threaten to burst, almost bested.
I give time when it's running short,
so the task can still be brought to port.
What am I?
(... Die Fristverlängerung / An extension)
🧩 Other Interesting Details about Fristverlängerung
Word Composition
The word is a compound noun, composed of:
- die Frist: A set period or point in time by which something must be completed (deadline).
- die Verlängerung: The act of making longer or the state of being longer (extension, derived from "verlängern" - to extend, to lengthen).
Typical Collocations
- eine Fristverlängerung beantragen (to apply for an extension)
- eine Fristverlängerung gewähren / ablehnen (to grant / reject an extension)
- eine stillschweigende Fristverlängerung (a tacit/implicit extension, e.g., when an authority doesn't respond to a request, which is then considered approved)
- um Fristverlängerung bitten (to ask for an extension)
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Fristverlängerung?
The word 'Fristverlängerung' is feminine, so the correct article is always die Fristverlängerung. It refers to the postponement of a deadline to a later date.