21 December 2025
How do you say appointment in German?
It’s what you schedule with your doctor, mark on your calendar, or try not to forget. In German, it’s der Termin. This is your German Word of the Day - precise, practical, and absolutely essential for everyday life in a well-organized country.
The noun Termin means appointment, date, or scheduled time, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. Whether it’s at the Zahnarzt (dentist), Amt (government office), or for a Besprechung (meeting), you’ll hear this word all the time.
It’s a masculine noun, so we say der Termin (want to stop second-guessing gender? Our video lesson helps you get it right with ease).
Pronunciation
Termin is pronounced [tehr-MEEN]
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Ter like “tear”
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min like “mean”
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Stress on the second syllable: terMEEN
Example sentences
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Ich habe morgen einen Termin beim Arzt.I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.
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Können wir einen Termin ausmachen?Can we set up an appointment?
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Der Termin wurde verschoben.The appointment was postponed.
Nuance and usage tips
Termin is all about fixed times - usually formal, often important.
🗓️ Common uses:
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Arzttermin - doctor’s appointment
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Behördentermin - appointment at a government office
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Vorstellungstermin - job interview slot
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Besprechungstermin - meeting time
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Friseurtermin - hair appointment
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Zahnarzttermin - dentist appointment
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TÜV-Termin - vehicle inspection date
🕓 Useful expressions:
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einen Termin vereinbaren - to make an appointment
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einen Termin absagen / verschieben - to cancel / reschedule an appointment
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einen Termin wahrnehmen - to attend an appointment
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einen Termin eintragen - to write down an appointment
Don’t confuseder Termin with der Terminus (technical term) or das Datum (calendar date). A romantic date is usually ein Date or eine Verabredung; Termin sounds like a scheduled appointment.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
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“Ich hab gleich einen Termin beim Bürgeramt.”I have an appointment at the local registry office.
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“Wann hast du deinen nächsten Termin?”When’s your next appointment?
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“Der Termin ist verpflichtend.”The appointment is mandatory.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Tom: Gehst du heute noch zum Arzt?Mira: Ja, ich hab um 16 Uhr einen Termin.Tom: Hoffentlich musst du nicht lange warten.Mira: Ich nehm ein Buch mit - man weiß ja nie.
Translation:Tom: Are you going to the doctor today?Mira: Yeah, I have an appointment at 4.Tom: Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long.Mira: I’m bringing a book - just in case.
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:Der Termin ist bestätigt.The appointment is confirmed.
Accusative:Ich habe den Termin vergessen.I forgot the appointment.
Dative:Wir müssen dem Termin zustimmen.We have to agree to the appointment.
Genitive:Die Uhrzeit des Termins wurde geändert.The time of the appointment was changed.
Word variations and language tidbits
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Terminkalender - appointment calendar / planner
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Terminvereinbarung - scheduling an appointment
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Terminabsage - cancellation notice
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Terminübersicht - overview of scheduled dates
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Termindruck - deadline pressure
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Terminsache - a matter with a fixed appointment or deadline
📅 Fun fact: Terminpflicht means an appointment is required. Some offices or businesses require one; others offer walk-in service. Check the location’s current arrangements.
📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Termin🎥 Want to stay on schedule with your German learning? Our free video course teaches the 1000 most useful nouns with grammar help and real-life context - right on time.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Thema means? Every Termin has one.And what about Tipp? A good one can help you show up prepared for your Termin.
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