01
der Zeitpunkt
point in time
A very specific, exact moment in time.
example
Der genaue Zeitpunkt für den Start der Rakete wurde noch nicht bekannt gegeben.
The exact point in time for the rocket launch has not yet been announced.
der Zeitpunkt
point in time
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound structure
'Zeitpunkt' (point in time) is a compound noun made from 'die Zeit' (time) and 'der Punkt' (point). So it literally describes an exact 'point in time'.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen einen genauen Zeitpunkt für das Treffen finden.
We need to find an exact point in time for the meeting.
Preposition 'zu'
To express that something happens at a specific moment, 'Zeitpunkt' (point in time) is very often used with the preposition 'zu' and the dative. Typical formulations are 'zu diesem Zeitpunkt' (at this point in time) or 'zum richtigen Zeitpunkt' (at the right time).
EXAMPLE
Zu diesem Zeitpunkt wusste noch niemand von dem Problem.
At this point in time, no one knew about the problem yet.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Zeitpunkt' (point in time) are 'festlegen' (to set), 'bestimmen' (to determine), 'wählen' (to choose), or 'abwarten' (to wait for). They describe the planning or selection of a moment.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisatoren haben den Zeitpunkt für die Veranstaltung noch nicht festgelegt.
The organizers have not yet set the point in time for the event.
Compare with
Zeitpunkt vs Mal
time / mark
'das Mal' and 'der Zeitpunkt' can both point to a moment. But 'das Mal' means a single event in a series, especially when something has happened several times before or can happen again. 'der Zeitpunkt' means a specific, often more exact moment in time. The words are easy to confuse in sentences like 'nächstes Mal' (next time) and 'zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt' (at a later point in time). 'Mal' sounds more natural for repeated experiences. 'Zeitpunkt' fits better when you want to plan or say exactly when something happens.
Zeitpunkt
Frau Hofmann wählt einen ruhigen Zeitpunkt für das Gespräch.
Ms. Hofmann chooses a quiet time for the conversation.
Mal
Beim nächsten Mal fährt die Fahrerin eine andere Strecke.
Next time, the driver will take a different route.
In real life
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