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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
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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
Bestimmung vs Ziel
goal / destination / target
'das Ziel' and 'die Bestimmung' can both point to something that someone or something is supposed to reach. For travel, 'Ziel' is the normal word for the endpoint: 'das Ziel einer Fahrt' (the destination of a trip) or 'das Ziel eines Weges' (the end of a route). In this meaning, 'Bestimmung' sounds more formal and often appears with goods, packages, or in fixed expressions like 'Ort der Bestimmung' (place of destination). In addition, 'Bestimmung' can also mean purpose, task, or destiny. Learners may confuse the words because both can sometimes express a 'where to' or a 'what for'. In everyday language, 'Ziel' is usually more natural; 'Bestimmung' fits better when something is intended or officially specified.
Bestimmung
Das Paket erreicht morgen seinen Ort der Bestimmung.
The package will reach its place of destination tomorrow.
Ziel
Unser Ziel ist ein kleiner Ort am Meer.
Our destination is a small town by the sea.
In real life
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