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 Stunde
hour
Die Stunde can present an important moment in a solemn or fateful way. By contrast, der Zeitpunkt refers neutrally to a precise point in the timeline. Use Stunde for the significance of a historical event; use Zeitpunkt for its precise placement in time.
Zeitpunkt
Der Zeitpunkt der Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war auf zwölf Uhr festgelegt.
The time of the treaty signing was set for noon.
Stunde
Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrags war eine historische Stunde für beide Länder.
The signing of the treaty was a historic moment for both countries.
In real life
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