das Datum
date
The exact indication of a specific day in the calendar, usually consisting of day, month, and year.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, das Datum auf dem Vertrag einzutragen.
Don't forget to enter the date on the contract.
das Datum
date
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Meanings
das Datum
date
In scientific contexts, the chronological classification of a find or a geological layer.
EXAMPLE
Das genaue Datum der antiken Scherbe konnte mittels Radiokarbonmethode bestimmt werden.
The exact date of the ancient shard could be determined using the radiocarbon method.
Usage tips
False friend
'Das Datum' (the date) refers only to the calendar day. A romantic meeting, called 'a date' in English, is 'ein Date' or 'eine Verabredung' in German.
EXAMPLE
Können wir eine Verabredung für nächste Woche ausmachen?
Can we make an appointment for next week?
Typical question
To ask for the current date, you use the fixed question: 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' (What is today's date?). The answer often begins with 'Heute ist der...' (Today is the...).
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, welches Datum haben wir heute?
Excuse me, what is today's date?
Giving a date
To state a date, you use the preposition 'am' followed by the day as an ordinal number and the month. For example: 'am ersten Mai' (on the first of May).
EXAMPLE
Mein Geburtstag ist am 28. Februar.
My birthday is on February 28.
Writing format
In Germany, the date is written in the order day.month.year, for example 31.12.2023. This is different from American English (month/day/year).
EXAMPLE
Bitte senden Sie die Unterlagen bis zum 15.09.2024 zurück.
Please send the documents back by September 15, 2024.
Compare with
Datum vs Tag
day
Der Tag refers to the particular calendar day as a point in time or an occasion. Das Datum is the exact calendar indication, usually including the day, month, and year. When asking about when an event takes place, Tag may be suitable; for the exact information, you need Datum.
Datum
Das genaue Datum unserer Hochzeit ist der 12. Juni 2026.
The exact date of our wedding is June 12, 2026.
Tag
Der Tag unserer Hochzeit steht schon fest.
The day of our wedding has already been set.
In real life
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