fällig
due
Describes a debt or bill that must be paid at a certain time.
EXAMPLE
Die Miete ist immer am Ersten des Monats fällig.
The rent is always due on the first of the month.
fällig
due
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Meanings
fällig
due
Describes something that is expected or must happen at a certain time.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Inspektion für das Auto ist in zwei Monaten fällig.
The next inspection for the car is due in two months.
fällig sein
to be due
Colloquial for something that is necessary or deserved as a consequence, often in a negative sense.
EXAMPLE
Nach dieser frechen Antwort war eine ordentliche Standpauke fällig.
After that cheeky answer, a proper telling-off was due.
Usage tips
Sentence structure
'Fällig' (due) is almost always used with the verb 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become). The structure is typically: [something] ist/wird [when] fällig ([something] is/becomes due [when]).
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Rate für das Auto wird am Monatsende fällig.
The next installment payment for the car is due at the end of the month.
Typical collocations
In financial contexts, 'fällig' (due) is often combined with obligations. Typical nouns are 'die Rechnung' (the bill), 'die Miete' (the rent), 'die Zahlung' (the payment), or 'der Beitrag' (the contribution/fee).
EXAMPLE
Der jährliche Mitgliedsbeitrag für den Sportverein ist fällig.
The annual membership fee for the sports club is due.
Typical collocations
When it comes to expected events, 'fällig' (due) is often connected with regular appointments or maintenance. Common nouns are 'die Inspektion' (the inspection), 'die Prüfung' (the exam/check), or 'die Untersuchung' (the examination/check-up).
EXAMPLE
Die jährliche zahnärztliche Untersuchung ist mal wieder fällig.
The annual dental check-up is due again.
Register and use
In this meaning, 'fällig sein' (to be due) is colloquial and expresses that a consequence or action is logical or deserved. It can be used for both positive and negative things.
EXAMPLE
Nach der harten Arbeit ist jetzt wirklich eine Pause fällig.
After the hard work, a break is really due now.
Compare with
fällig vs nötig
necessary
Both words can refer to a break that is needed after a long period of work. „Nötig“ describes the existing need, while „fällig“ emphasizes that the break is now due or expected. Use „nötig“ for the need and „fällig“ for the timing.
fällig
Nach drei Stunden Arbeit ist jetzt eine kurze Pause fällig.
After three hours of work, a short break is now due.
nötig
Nach drei Stunden Arbeit ist eine kurze Pause nötig.
After three hours of work, a short break is necessary.
In real life
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