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]
Ter like “tear”
min like “mean”
Stress on the second syllable: terMEEN
Example sentences
Ich habe morgen einen Termin beim Arzt.
I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow.Können wir einen Termin ausmachen?
Can we set up an appointment?Der Termin wurde verschoben.
The appointment was postponed.
Nuance and usage tips
Termin is all about fixed times—usually formal, often important.
🗓️ Common uses:
Arzttermin – doctor’s appointment
Behördentermin – appointment at a government office
Vorstellungstermin – job interview slot
Besprechungstermin – meeting time
Friseurtermin – hair appointment
Zahnarzttermin – dentist appointment
TÜV-Termin – vehicle inspection date
🕓 Useful expressions:
einen Termin vereinbaren – to make an appointment
einen Termin absagen / verschieben – to cancel / reschedule an appointment
einen Termin wahrnehmen – to attend an appointment
einen Termin eintragen – to write down an appointment
Don’t confuse der Termin with der Terminus (technical term) or das Datum (date as in the day, not a meeting).
How does this word come up in real conversations?
"Ich hab gleich einen Termin beim Bürgeramt."
I have an appointment at the local registry office."Wann hast du deinen nächsten Termin?"
When’s your next appointment?"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
Terminkalender – appointment calendar / planner
Terminvereinbarung – scheduling an appointment
Terminabsage – cancellation notice
Terminübersicht – overview of scheduled dates
Termindruck – pressure from too many appointments
Terminsache – legal term for a scheduled court case
📅 Fun fact: In Germany, Terminpflicht is a real thing—many offices, even hair salons or bank branches, require appointments in advance. Walk-ins are rare, and ohne Termin (without an appointment) can get you turned away.
📘 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.
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