die Bestimmung
provision
A rule, regulation, or section in a law, contract, or ordinance.
EXAMPLE
Laut den Bestimmungen des Mietvertrags sind Haustiere nicht erlaubt.
According to the provisions of the rental agreement, pets are not allowed.
die Bestimmung
provision / purpose
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Meanings
die Bestimmung
purpose / destiny
The purpose, task, or destiny intended for someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Er glaubte, es sei seine Bestimmung, Arzt zu werden.
He believed it was his destiny to become a doctor.
die Bestimmung
determination
The process of precisely identifying, defining, or classifying something, e.g. a plant species or a measured value.
EXAMPLE
Die Bestimmung der genauen Schadstoffkonzentration im Wasser ist sehr aufwendig.
The determination of the exact pollutant concentration in the water is very labor-intensive.
die Bestimmung
destination
The destination of a journey; the place where something or someone is supposed to arrive.
EXAMPLE
Das Paket hat seine Bestimmung sicher erreicht.
The package safely reached its destination.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Bestimmung' (provision / purpose) is a noun derived from the verb 'bestimmen' (to determine / define). The ending '-ung' is a very common way to form nouns from verbs that describe an action or its result.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen erst die genaue Ursache des Problems bestimmen.
We first have to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Register and usage
In the meaning 'Regel' (rule) or 'Vorschrift' (regulation), 'Bestimmung' (provision) belongs to formal administrative and legal language. In this context, it is very often used in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lesen Sie die allgemeinen Geschäftsbestimmungen sorgfältig durch.
Please read the general terms and conditions carefully.
Abstract context
When 'Bestimmung' (purpose / destiny) stands for purpose or fate, it is used in a more philosophical, personal, or literary context. It then concerns the meaning of life or a predetermined path.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ihre wahre Bestimmung darin gefunden, anderen Menschen zu helfen.
She found her true purpose in helping other people.
Scientific context
In the sense of 'Identifizierung' (identification), the word is used in scientific or technical contexts. It is often followed by a genitive or 'von' to say what is being identified.
EXAMPLE
Die Bestimmung der Wasserqualität dauert mehrere Tage.
The determination of the water quality takes several days.
Context: travel and transport
The meaning 'Zielort' (destination) is typical for the areas of travel, mail, and logistics. A very common compound word in this context is 'der Bestimmungsort' (destination).
EXAMPLE
Der Zug hat seine Bestimmung mit leichter Verspätung erreicht.
The train reached its destination with a slight delay.
Compare with
ZielAuftragZweckSchicksalRegelungVorschriftErmittlungBerufungMessungFeststellungKonditionIdentifikationFestlegungIdentifizierungKlauselFestsetzungSetzungCallingParagraf
Bestimmung vs Ziel
goal / destination / target
Ziel and Bestimmung can both refer to the place someone is traveling to. Ziel is the neutral everyday word for this; Bestimmung sounds more formal and is used especially in travel and transport information. In normal conversation, Ziel is usually the better choice.
Bestimmung
Auf dem Fahrschein ist Paris als Bestimmung angegeben.
Paris is listed as the destination on the ticket.
Ziel
Als Ziel unserer Reise haben wir Paris gewählt.
We chose Paris as the destination for our trip.
In real life
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