01
festgelegt
fixed
Bindingly determined, defined, or decided. Describes something that can no longer be changed, or only with difficulty.
example
Der Termin für die Prüfung ist bereits festgelegt.
The date for the exam has already been fixed.
festgelegt
fixed / determined
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Festgelegt' (fixed/determined) is the past participle of the separable verb 'festlegen' (to determine/fix). It consists of 'fest' (fixed/firm) and 'legen' (to lay) and literally means to lay something down so that it is fixed and no longer moves.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Regeln für das Projekt genau festlegen.
We have to define the rules for the project precisely.
Verb sentence structure
Since 'festlegen' (to determine/fix) is a separable verb, the prefix 'fest-' comes at the end in a main clause. However, the participle 'festgelegt' (fixed/determined) is always written as one word.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma legt die neuen Preise fest.
The company fixes the new prices.
Typical collocations
Typical things that are 'festgelegt' (fixed/determined) are appointments, deadlines, rules, prices, goals, or an exact date.
EXAMPLE
Die Route für den Marathon ist jetzt endgültig festgelegt.
The route for the marathon is now finally fixed.
Reflexive use
The expression 'sich festgelegt haben' (to have decided/committed oneself) means that a person has made a personal decision. It is always formed with a reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, etc.).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich schon für ein Studienfach festgelegt.
He has already decided on a field of study.
Use with 'auf'
When you want to say what you have decided on, you use the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat sich auf ein Thema für ihre Masterarbeit festgelegt.
She has decided on a topic for her master's thesis.
Compare with
festgelegt vs bestimmt
certain / specific
'bestimmt' and 'festgelegt' can both express that something is not arbitrary. 'bestimmt' often simply means a specific thing or an intended purpose, for example 'ein bestimmter Tag' (a specific day) or a room that is 'für Gäste bestimmt' (intended for guests). 'festgelegt' means more strongly that something has been decided or regulated in a binding way. It then cannot be changed easily. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with a choice or decision. If you only mean something specific, 'bestimmt' fits. If a decision is official or binding, 'festgelegt' is better.
festgelegt
Der Termin für die Prüfung ist jetzt festgelegt.
The date for the exam has now been fixed.
bestimmt
Für diese Aufgabe brauchen wir ein bestimmtes Formular.
We need a specific form for this task.
In real life
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