01
bis dato
to date
A fixed expression that means “up to today” or “up to the present time.”
example
Bis dato haben wir noch keine Antwort auf unsere Anfrage erhalten.
To date, we have not yet received a response to our inquiry.
dato
to date
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expressions
The word 'dato' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expressions 'bis dato' (to date) and 'vom ... Dato' (dated ... / from the date of ...). It never stands alone.
EXAMPLE
Bis dato ist keine Entscheidung gefallen.
To date, no decision has been made.
Register and style
The expression 'bis dato' (to date) belongs more to written language or a slightly formal style. It means 'bis zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt' (up to the present time).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben bis dato keine Beschwerden über das neue Produkt erhalten.
To date, we have received no complaints about the new product.
Official language
The construction 'vom ... Dato' (dated ... / from the date of ...) is very formal and typical of official or legal language. It refers to the date of a specific document.
EXAMPLE
Die Kündigung ist laut Schreiben vom 3. März dato wirksam.
According to the letter dated March 3, the termination is effective.
Word order
When 'bis dato' (to date) stands at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb follows directly in position 2. The subject then moves after the verb.
EXAMPLE
Bis dato hat sich an der Situation nichts geändert.
To date, nothing has changed about the situation.
Compare with
dato vs bisher
so far
'bisher' and 'bis dato' can both mean that something applies up to the present point in time. 'bisher' is the normal everyday word and fits in almost any situation. 'bis dato' is a fixed expression with 'dato' and sounds clearly more formal or more written. In conversation, people usually say 'bisher'. In reports, applications, or official texts, 'bis dato' can sound more natural.
dato
Bis dato liegen uns keine neuen Informationen vor.
To date, we have no new information.
bisher
Bisher hat sich niemand für den Kurs angemeldet.
So far, no one has signed up for the course.
In real life
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