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The scientific determination of the age of an object, for example an archaeological find, a rock layer, or an old document.
Die Radiokarbon-Datierung ergab, dass die Knochen über 5000 Jahre alt sind.
The radiocarbon dating showed that the bones are over 5,000 years old.
'Die Datierung' (dating) is a noun derived from the verb 'datieren' (to date/set or determine a date). The ending '-ung' forms feminine nouns from verbs that describe the process or result of the action.
Können Sie dieses alte Foto für mich datieren?
Can you date this old photo for me?
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. If it is about science, archaeology, age, or finds, the determination of age (m01) is meant. If it is about letters, forms, or signatures, the adding of a date (m02) is meant.
Die Datierung des Fossils war eine große Herausforderung.
The dating of the fossil was a major challenge.
In a scientific context, people often speak of 'Datierung von Funden' (dating of finds), a 'genaue Datierung' (precise dating), or specific methods such as 'Radiokarbon-Datierung' (radiocarbon dating). A typical verb is 'eine Datierung vornehmen' (to carry out dating).
Archäologen nehmen eine Datierung der gefundenen Keramikscherben vor.
Archaeologists carry out dating of the pottery shards that were found.
In an administrative context, fixed phrases such as 'Datierung und Unterschrift' (dating and signature) are common. People also speak of a 'nachträgliche Datierung' (subsequent dating) or a 'fehlende Datierung' (missing dating) on a document.
Bitte prüfen Sie alle Dokumente auf korrekte Datierung und Unterschrift.
Please check all documents for correct dating and signature.
date
'das Datum' and 'die Datierung' both have to do with time references. 'das Datum' is usually the exact indication of a day, for example on a letter, in a contract, or in a calendar. In scientific texts, it can also mean the chronological classification of a find. 'die Datierung', on the other hand, is more the process or result of determining an age, for example for an old document or a find. In addition, 'Datierung' can mean adding a date to a document. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar. In practice: for the calendar day, you usually say 'Datum'; for determining age or adding a date, 'Datierung' is more appropriate.
Die Datierung des alten Briefes war schwierig, weil kein Jahr darauf stand.
Dating the old letter was difficult because there was no year written on it.
Auf dem Formular fehlt noch das Datum der Unterschrift.
The date of the signature is still missing on the form.