pünktlich
punctual / on time
Arriving, beginning, or taking place exactly at the agreed or scheduled time; neither too early nor too late.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug nach Hamburg fuhr pünktlich um 10:05 Uhr ab.
The train to Hamburg departed on time at 10:05.
pünktlich
punctual / on time
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from 'der Punkt' (the point). To be 'pünktlich' (punctual/on time) therefore means to arrive exactly at the 'point' in time, that is, exactly at the agreed time.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen auf den Punkt genau um 15:00 Uhr starten.
We have to start exactly on the dot at 3:00 p.m.
Use as an adverb
'Pünktlich' (punctual/on time) is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It answers the question 'When?'. In this function, it remains unchanged and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Bitte kommt morgen alle pünktlich zum Treffen.
Please all come to the meeting on time tomorrow.
Cultural context
Punctuality is an important value in German professional and everyday life. Being late is often seen as rude or unreliable.
EXAMPLE
Für das Vorstellungsgespräch ist es besonders wichtig, pünktlich zu sein.
For the job interview, it is especially important to be punctual.
Compare with
pünktlich vs rechtzeitig
in time / on time
Rechtzeitig means that something happens early enough to avoid a disadvantage; the exact time is left open. Pünktlich, by contrast, means exactly at the agreed or scheduled time, neither too early nor too late. For a deadline, rechtzeitig is sufficient; for an appointment, pünktlich is more precise.
pünktlich
Sie kam pünktlich um neun Uhr zum vereinbarten Prüfungstermin.
She arrived punctually at nine o'clock for the scheduled exam.
rechtzeitig
Sie kam rechtzeitig zur Prüfung, sodass sie noch in den Raum durfte.
She arrived in time for the exam, so she was still allowed into the room.
In real life
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