die  Schonfrist

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃoːnfʁɪst/

⏳ What exactly does 'die Schonfrist' mean?

Die Schonfrist is a feminine noun designating a specific period during which a normally applicable rule, obligation, or burden is temporarily suspended. It's a kind of grace period, respite, or moratorium.

• Finance/Law: A period after a due date during which, for example, a payment can still be made without penalties, or a notice of termination is not yet effective. This is often translated as a 'grace period'.
• Hunting/Fishing: A period during which hunting or fishing for certain species is prohibited to protect their population (similar to 'Schonzeit' or 'closed season').
• General: A period of rest or postponement before an unpleasant consequence occurs or a task must be completed (a 'respite' or 'breathing space').

So, it's a 'Frist' (period/deadline) intended to 'schonen' (spare/protect) someone or something.

🔍 Grammar Corner: Declining 'die Schonfrist'

The word 'Schonfrist' is a feminine noun. The article is therefore die.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

The plural 'die Schonfristen' is rarely used but possible when referring to multiple such periods.

Example Sentences

1. Der Schuldner bat um eine Schonfrist von einer Woche.
   (The debtor asked for a grace period of one week.)
2. Für diese Vogelart gilt eine gesetzliche Schonfrist im Frühling.
   (There is a legal closed season for this bird species in spring.)
3. Nach der Wahl gewährte die neue Regierung den alten Ministern eine kurze Schonfrist.
   (After the election, the new government granted the old ministers a brief respite.)

💡 When to use 'die Schonfrist'

The use of 'Schonfrist' depends on the context, but it's always associated with the idea of a temporary postponement or protection:

• In Finance: When a bill doesn't have to be paid immediately upon falling due, but is still accepted shortly thereafter. This is the classic 'grace period'. Example: Die Versicherung gewährt eine Schonfrist von 14 Tagen für die Beitragszahlung. (The insurance grants a 14-day grace period for premium payment.)
• In Law: When a deadline is extended, or an action (e.g., eviction, termination) is postponed ('respite', 'moratorium'). Example: Dem Mieter wurde eine letzte Schonfrist eingeräumt. (The tenant was granted a final grace period / respite.)
• In Nature & Environment: Refers to the time when animals or plants are protected ('closed season', similar to 'Schonzeit'). Example: Während der Schonfrist ist das Angeln in diesem Flussabschnitt verboten. (During the closed season, fishing is prohibited in this section of the river.)
• Figuratively: When someone receives a period of calm or reduced pressure after a mistake, defeat, or strenuous phase ('respite', 'breathing room'). Example: Der neue Trainer bekam nach der anfänglichen Kritik eine Schonfrist von den Medien. (After initial criticism, the new coach got a respite from the media.)

⚠️ Important: A 'Schonfrist' is always limited in time. It doesn't mean the obligation or problem disappears entirely.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Schonfrist'

Article 'die': Think of the related word 'die Frist' (the deadline/period) – 'Frist' itself is feminine. Since a 'Schonfrist' is a type of 'Frist', it stays feminine: 'die'. Alternatively, think: She needs a break! -> 'She' is 'die'.

Meaning: Imagine someone says "Schon gut!" ('It's alright!') and gives you an extra 'Frist' (period/deadline). That's the 'Schonfrist' – a period where you are 'geschont' (spared). It's a 'sparing period'.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A little respite for a laugh

Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon wieder nicht gemacht?"
Fritzchen: "Herr Lehrer, ich habe mir selbst eine kleine Schonfrist gegeben!"

Translation:
Teacher: "Fritzchen, why haven't you done your homework again?"
Fritzchen: "Sir, I gave myself a little grace period!"

📜 A little ode to the grace period

Die Rechnung mahnt, die Zeit verrinnt,
der Abgabetermin beginnt.
Doch siehe da, ein Hoffnungsschimmer,
rettet aus dem Pflichten-Zimmer.
Ein Aufschub kurz, willkommen sehr,
die Schonfrist, bitte, gib uns mehr!

Translation:
The bill reminds, the time flows by,
the deadline starts to loom nigh.
But look, a glimmer of hope appears,
saving from the room of dutiful fears.
A short delay, welcomed indeed,
the grace period, please, more we need!

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

Ich bin eine Zeit, doch keine Uhr,
ich biete Schutz in der Natur.
Ich schieb' die Pflicht ein Stückchen fort,
an manchem Zahlungs- oder Arbeitsort.
Bin ich vorbei, ist's aus mit Ruh'.
Wie nennt man mich, sag du!

Translation:
I am a time, but not a clock,
I offer protection for the flock (in nature).
I push the duty a bit away,
at many a place where you work or pay.
When I am over, the peace is through.
What am I called, tell me, you!

Solution: die Schonfrist

🧩 Word Origins: Where does 'Schonfrist' come from?

The word 'Schonfrist' is a compound noun made of two parts:

• schonen: This verb means 'to treat carefully', 'to preserve', 'to spare', 'to leave alone', 'not to strain'.
• die Frist: This noun means 'period', 'deadline', 'term'.

Together, they form the meaning: A 'Frist' (period) during which someone or something is 'geschont' (spared / left alone / not burdened).