key date
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key date
A central, important date in a schedule that sets the framework for a project or undertaking. Key dates often mark the beginning, the end, or decisive milestones.
Die wichtigsten Eckdaten für das Bauprojekt wurden heute festgelegt.
The most important key dates for the construction project were set today.
The word is made up of 'Ecke' (corner) and 'Datum' (date). Figuratively, it describes the dates that form the framework of a plan—just as corners define a shape.
Der Projektstart und die Endabgabe sind die wichtigsten Eckdaten.
The project start and the final submission are the most important key dates.
Although the singular 'das Eckdatum' (the key date) exists, the word is usually used in the plural, 'die Eckdaten' (the key dates). This refers to the set of important dates for an undertaking.
Können Sie mir bitte die Eckdaten für die Konferenz schicken?
Could you please send me the key dates for the conference?
In the context of planning and management, 'Eckdatum' (key date) is often combined with verbs like 'festlegen' (to set), 'vereinbaren' (to agree on), 'definieren' (to define), or 'einhalten' (to meet/adhere to).
Wir müssen die Eckdaten für das nächste Quartal noch festlegen.
We still need to set the key dates for the next quarter.
appointment / deadline
'der Termin' and 'das Eckdatum' both have to do with an important point in time. 'Termin' is the normal word for an appointment, a doctor's visit, a meeting, or also a submission deadline. 'Eckdatum' is used more in planning, projects, or larger undertakings. It means a particularly important date, for example the start, the end, or an important intermediate step. Learners may confuse the words because a key date can also be a Termin. But not every Termin is an Eckdatum. In everyday life, 'Termin' usually sounds more natural.
Im Projektplan steht der 1. Juni als wichtiges Eckdatum für den Start.
In the project plan, June 1 is listed as an important key date for the start.
Mein Termin beim Zahnarzt ist morgen um neun Uhr.
My dentist appointment is tomorrow at nine o'clock.