This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #2,000 most common 10 min read

Datum

Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Datum in 30 Seconds

Explanation Datum in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'Datum' is one of the first abstract nouns you learn. You use it to talk about today's date, your birthday, and simple schedules. You learn that 'das Datum' is neuter and that you need to use ordinal numbers to express it. For example, 'Heute ist der erste Januar.' You also learn the question 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' and how to read basic dates on signs or in books. The focus is on the DD.MM.YYYY format and the fact that months are capitalized. You might not yet master all the declensions for dates (like 'am einundzwanzigsten'), but you can recognize and provide a date when asked. It's about basic identification and the ability to fill out simple forms where 'Datum' is a required field.

At A2, you begin to use 'Datum' in more varied contexts, such as making appointments or discussing past events. You start to use prepositions like 'am' and 'vom... bis zum...' more confidently. You understand that 'am' requires the dative case, changing the ending of the ordinal number to '-en' (e.g., 'am zehnten August'). You also learn compound words like 'Geburtsdatum' (date of birth) and 'Ablaufdatum' (expiry date). Your ability to describe a sequence of events using dates improves, and you can understand short texts or announcements that mention specific dates for festivals, sales, or opening hours. You also begin to distinguish between 'Datum' and 'Termin' more clearly in social situations.

At the B1 level, you use 'Datum' in professional and formal writing. You know how to correctly format a date in a formal letter ('Berlin, den 12. Oktober 2023'). You can discuss historical dates and their significance using more complex sentence structures. You are also introduced to the plural 'Daten' and its dual meaning as 'data'. You can participate in discussions about 'Datenschutz' (data protection) and understand the importance of 'personenbezogene Daten' (personal data). You use 'Datum' to set deadlines ('Fristen') and can negotiate dates for projects or meetings. Your understanding of the nuances between 'Datum', 'Zeitpunkt', and 'Zeitraum' becomes more refined, allowing for more precise communication.

At B2, you handle 'Datum' with ease in complex administrative and legal contexts. You understand the implications of a 'Datum des Inkrafttretens' (date of entry into force) in contracts or laws. You can read and summarize articles that use dates to track trends or historical developments. You are comfortable using 'Datum' in the genitive case ('während des Datums') and in various idiomatic expressions. You can also discuss the technical aspects of 'Datenverarbeitung' (data processing) and how 'Daten' (as data) are collected and analyzed. Your vocabulary includes more specialized terms like 'Erscheinungsdatum' (publication date) or 'Verfallsdatum' (expiration date for perishable goods) and you use them accurately in professional reports.

At the C1 level, you use 'Datum' and its derivatives with stylistic precision. You can analyze the historical context of specific 'Daten' in academic essays. You understand the subtle difference between 'Datum' and 'Stichtag' (cutoff date) in financial or statistical reporting. You can follow complex legal arguments where the exact 'Datum' of an action is crucial for determining liability. You are also proficient in discussing the ethics of 'Big Data' and 'Datensicherheit', using the plural 'Daten' in a highly sophisticated manner. Your written German reflects a native-like command of date placement and formatting in all types of documents, from formal invitations to technical manuals.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'Datum' in all its literal and metaphorical applications. You can appreciate and use the word in literary contexts, perhaps discussing a 'Datum' as a turning point in a narrative. You are aware of the etymological roots and how the concept of a 'Datum' has evolved in German legal and social history. You can engage in high-level debates about 'Datenhoheit' (data sovereignty) or the philosophical implications of how we record time. Your use of the word is flawless, including the most obscure compound nouns and technical jargon. You can switch effortlessly between the calendar meaning and the information-technology meaning of 'Daten', maintaining clarity and sophistication in both.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Datum in 30 Seconds

Das Datum refers to a specific calendar day (day, month, year).
It is a neuter noun: das Datum, plural: die Daten.
In Germany, dates are written as DD.MM.YYYY with dots.
Do not confuse it with 'Termin' (appointment) or romantic 'Date'.

The German word Datum refers specifically to a point in time designated by a day, month, and year. While in English 'date' can refer to a romantic outing or a person, in German, Datum is strictly chronological and administrative. It is a neuter noun (das Datum), and its plural form, Daten, is famously shared with the word for 'data' in a computing sense, though the context usually makes the distinction clear. Understanding Datum is fundamental for navigating daily life in Germany, from filling out forms to making appointments.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'datum' (given), referring to the time and place a document was 'given' or issued.

Bitte schreiben Sie das heutige Datum auf das Formular.

In a broader linguistic context, Datum represents the anchor of human history and personal organization. It is the intersection of the solar calendar and human record-keeping. When a German speaker asks for the Datum, they are looking for the numerical representation of today. Unlike the word 'Termin', which refers to an appointment or a scheduled meeting, Datum is the abstract point on the calendar. If you say 'Ich habe ein Datum', a German might look at you confused, thinking you have a 'calendar date' rather than a romantic 'Date' (which is usually borrowed as the English word 'Date' or referred to as a 'Verabredung').

Grammatical Gender: Das Datum (neuter). Remember: 'Das Datum ist wichtig.'

Welches Datum haben wir heute?

When discussing historical events, Datum is used to pinpoint the exact moment of occurrence. For example, 'Das Datum des Mauerfalls ist der 9. November 1989.' Here, the word acts as a bridge between the event and its place in the timeline of the world. It is also essential in legal contexts, where the 'Datum der Unterschrift' (date of signature) determines the validity of a contract. The precision of the German language is reflected in how Datum is handled; it is rarely used vaguely. If the year is missing, it is still a Datum, but usually, the full triad of day, month, and year is expected.

Das Datum meiner Abreise steht noch nicht fest.

Synonym Note: While 'Zeitpunkt' means a point in time, 'Datum' is specifically the calendar designation.

Ein falsches Datum kann zu Problemen führen.

Können Sie mir das genaue Datum nennen?

Using Datum correctly involves more than just knowing the word; it requires understanding German ordinal numbers and prepositional phrases. In German, when you state a date, you almost always use the definite article 'das' or a preposition like 'am' (an + dem). For example, 'Am 12. Mai' (On the 12th of May). Note the period after the number; this is how Germans indicate an ordinal number (1st, 2nd, 3rd). Without that period, it's just a cardinal number, which is grammatically incorrect for dates.

Ordinal Numbers: Dates use ordinals: 'der erste' (1st), 'der zweite' (2nd). In writing: 1., 2., 3.

Heute ist der einundzwanzigste Juni, das Datum des Sommeranfangs.

When asking for the date, the most common phrase is 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' or 'Der Wievielte ist heute?'. The first is more formal and focuses on the word Datum itself. When writing a letter or an email, the date is typically placed at the top right, often preceded by the location: 'Berlin, den 15.08.2023'. The use of 'den' here is an accusative construction, essentially saying '(On) the 15th...'. This is a nuance that many learners miss but is vital for sounding natural in written German.

Prepositions: Use 'am' for specific dates. Use 'vom... bis zum...' for date ranges.

Das Datum der Prüfung wurde auf den nächsten Montag verschoben.

In digital contexts, Datum is often paired with 'Uhrzeit' (time). A common field in software might be 'Datum/Zeit'. If you are working with databases, you will frequently encounter the plural Daten. However, if you are specifically looking for a list of calendar dates, you might use 'Kalenderdaten' to avoid confusion with 'information data'. For example, 'Die Daten der Feiertage' (The dates of the holidays) vs. 'Die Daten der Benutzer' (The data of the users). The context of the surrounding words is your best guide here.

Bitte prüfen Sie das Datum auf Ihrer Fahrkarte.

Formal Writing: In letters: 'Datum: 10. Januar 2024' or 'Den 10.01.2024'.

Das Datum ist im Format TT.MM.JJJJ anzugeben.

Wir müssen das Datum für die Hochzeit festlegen.

You will encounter the word Datum in almost every administrative or official interaction in Germany. At the 'Bürgeramt' (citizens' office), the clerk will ask for the Datum of your arrival or birth. On the radio, news anchors might mention a 'historisches Datum' when reflecting on an anniversary. In school, teachers ask students to write the Datum in the top corner of their notebooks every single day. It is a word that anchors the German sense of order and punctuality.

Public Announcements: 'Das Datum der Veranstaltung hat sich geändert.' (The date of the event has changed.)

Achten Sie auf das Datum auf dem Stempel.

In the workplace, Datum is used in project management. 'Bis zu welchem Datum muss das fertig sein?' (By what date must this be finished?). It is also found on every receipt ('Kassenbon') you receive at a supermarket, usually listed right next to the time of purchase. If you are traveling, your train or flight ticket will prominently display the Datum. In these contexts, the word is often abbreviated in forms as 'Dat.' or simply implied by the presence of a date format like '12.05.'. Hearing it often comes with a sense of deadline or verification.

Daily Life: 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' is a very common morning question.

Das Datum steht oben rechts auf dem Brief.

In academic settings, Datum is used when citing sources. 'Erscheinungsdatum' (publication date) is a compound word you will see in every bibliography. Similarly, 'Ablaufdatum' (expiry date) is something you will look for on milk cartons or credit cards. The word is ubiquitous because the German system relies heavily on documented timelines. Even in casual conversation, if someone is trying to recall a specific memory, they might say, 'Ich weiß das genaue Datum nicht mehr, aber es war im Sommer.'

Können wir das Datum noch einmal verschieben?

Travel: 'Reisedatum' (travel date) is a key term on booking websites.

Das Datum ist leider falsch eingetragen.

Haben Sie ein Datum für die Lieferung?

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using Datum to mean a romantic date. If you say 'Ich habe heute Abend ein Datum', a German will understand you, but it sounds very strange, like you have an appointment with a calendar entry. Instead, use 'Date' (borrowed from English) or 'Verabredung'. Another common error is the confusion between Datum and 'Termin'. A 'Termin' is an appointment (e.g., with a doctor), while Datum is just the day on the calendar.

False Friend: 'Date' (romantic) vs. 'Datum' (calendar). Don't mix them up!

Falsch: Ich habe ein Datum mit Maria. Richtig: Ich habe ein Date mit Maria.

Grammatically, the plural Daten causes confusion. While it is the plural of Datum, it is also the word for 'data'. Learners often forget that 'Daten' is plural and try to use it as a singular collective noun like in English ('The data is...'). In German, it must be 'Die Daten sind...'. Furthermore, when writing the date, forgetting the periods (e.g., writing '12 05 2023' instead of '12.05.2023') is a common stylistic error that can make documents look unprofessional or even invalid in a legal sense.

Preposition Pitfall: 'Im Datum' is wrong. Use 'an diesem Datum' or 'am [Datum]'.

Das Datum wird im Deutschen mit Punkten geschrieben.

Another mistake is the word order in questions. Learners often say 'Was ist das Datum heute?' which is a literal translation of 'What is the date today?'. While understandable, the more idiomatic German way is 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' (Which date do we have today?). Also, be careful with the word 'Daten' in the context of privacy. 'Datenschutz' (data protection) is a huge topic in Germany. If you confuse 'Datum' with 'Daten' in a sentence about privacy, you might accidentally be talking about protecting a specific calendar day rather than personal information.

Ein fehlendes Datum macht den Vertrag ungültig.

Spelling: It's 'Datum', not 'Datun' or 'Datom'.

Bitte korrigieren Sie das Datum in der E-Mail.

Das Datum muss eindeutig lesbar sein.

German has several words related to time and scheduling that are often confused with Datum. The most prominent is 'Termin'. While Datum is a point on the calendar (e.g., July 4th), a 'Termin' is a scheduled event or appointment (e.g., a meeting at 10 AM). You can have a 'Termin' on a certain Datum. Another related word is 'Zeitpunkt', which refers to a specific moment in time, often more precise or abstract than a calendar date.

Datum vs. Termin: Datum = Calendar day (e.g., 01.01.). Termin = Appointment (e.g., Doctor visit).

Wir haben das Datum gewählt, aber der Termin steht noch nicht.

Then there is 'Frist', which means a deadline or a period of time. A 'Frist' often ends at a specific Datum. For example, 'Die Frist läuft am 31. März ab.' (The deadline expires on March 31st). Another similar word is 'Tag' (day). While every Datum is a 'Tag', not every 'Tag' is referred to as a Datum. 'Tag' is more general (e.g., 'ein schöner Tag'), whereas Datum is the formal, numerical identification of that day. Finally, 'Zeitraum' refers to a span of time between two dates.

Datum vs. Zeitpunkt: Datum is the day; Zeitpunkt can be the exact second or a general 'point in time'.

Zu diesem Zeitpunkt war das Datum bereits verstrichen.

In the realm of data and information, 'Angabe' (information/detail) is often used alongside Datum. For instance, 'Datumsangabe' specifically means the 'stating of the date'. If you are filling out a form, you might see 'Angaben zur Person' (personal details), which will include your 'Geburtsdatum' (date of birth). Understanding these nuances helps you choose the right word for the right level of formality and precision. While 'Datum' is the most common for the calendar, 'Termin' is the most common for your social and professional life.

Das Ablaufdatum ist auf der Verpackung aufgedruckt.

Calendar Terms: Kalendertag (calendar day), Werktag (working day), Feiertag (holiday).

Nennen Sie mir bitte ein Datum, das Ihnen passt.

Das Datum der Gründung ist historisch belegt.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Ordinal numbers

Prepositions of time (am, im, um)

Neuter noun declension

Compound noun formation

Dative case with 'am'

Examples by Level

Heute ist das Datum der 1. Mai.

Today is the date May 1st.

Ordinal numbers in dates end in -te or -ten.

Welches Datum haben wir heute?

What is the date today?

Common question for the date.

Bitte schreiben Sie das Datum hier.

Please write the date here.

Imperative form with 'schreiben'.

Mein Geburtsdatum ist der 10. Juli.

My date of birth is July 10th.

Compound noun: Geburt + s + Datum.

Das Datum ist wichtig für den Brief.

The date is important for the letter.

Neuter noun 'das Datum'.

Ich kenne das Datum nicht.

I don't know the date.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ist das Datum heute der 15.?

Is the date today the 15th?

Question with 'ist'.

Das Datum steht an der Tafel.

The date is on the blackboard.

Preposition 'an' with dative.

Wir müssen ein Datum für die Party finden.

We need to find a date for the party.

Accusative object 'ein Datum'.

Das Datum der Prüfung ist am Montag.

The date of the exam is on Monday.

Genitive construction 'der Prüfung'.

Können Sie das Datum auf der Quittung lesen?

Can you read the date on the receipt?

Modal verb 'können'.

Das Datum hat sich leider geändert.

The date has unfortunately changed.

Reflexive verb 'sich ändern'.

Ich habe das Datum in meinen Kalender eingetragen.

I entered the date in my calendar.

Perfect tense 'habe eingetragen'.

Das Ablaufdatum der Milch ist morgen.

The expiry date of the milk is tomorrow.

Compound noun: Ablauf + Datum.

An welchem Datum fliegen Sie?

On which date are you flying?

Prepositional phrase 'an welchem Datum'.

Das Datum ist oben auf der Seite.

The date is at the top of the page.

Preposition 'auf' with dative.

Das genaue Datum der Eröffnung steht noch nicht fest.

The exact date of the opening has not yet been determined.

Adjective 'genaue' in the neuter nominative.

Bitte prüfen Sie alle Daten sorgfältig.

Please check all dates/data carefully.

Plural 'Daten'.

Das Datum muss mit der Unterschrift übereinstimmen.

The date must match the signature.

Verb 'übereinstimmen' with 'mit'.

Wir beziehen uns auf Ihr Schreiben vom Datum...

We refer to your letter of the date...

Formal prepositional phrase 'vom Datum'.

Das historische Datum wird jedes Jahr gefeiert.

The historical date is celebrated every year.

Passive voice 'wird gefeiert'.

Können wir das Datum auf nächste Woche verschieben?

Can we postpone the date to next week?

Verb 'verschieben' with 'auf'.

Das Datum ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Vertrags.

The date is an essential part of the contract.

Genitive 'des Vertrags'.

Es gibt kein späteres Datum für die Abgabe.

There is no later date for the submission.

Comparative adjective 'späteres'.

Das Datum des Inkrafttretens ist der erste Januar.

The date of entry into force is January 1st.

Genitive 'des Inkrafttretens'.

Trotz des falschen Datums war das Dokument gültig.

Despite the wrong date, the document was valid.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Das Datum markiert den Beginn einer neuen Ära.

The date marks the beginning of a new era.

Accusative 'den Beginn'.

Wir müssen das Datum im System manuell korrigieren.

We have to manually correct the date in the system.

Adverb 'manuell'.

Das Datum der Veröffentlichung wurde vorverlegt.

The publication date was moved forward.

Passive perfect 'wurde vorverlegt'.

Das Datum lässt sich nicht mehr ändern.

The date can no longer be changed.

Reflexive passive construction 'lässt sich ändern'.

Das Datum ist für die Verjährung entscheidend.

The date is decisive for the statute of limitations.

Preposition 'für' with accusative.

Jedes Datum in der Liste muss überprüft werden.

Every date in the list must be checked.

Passive with modal 'muss überprüft werden'.

Das Datum fungiert als Referenzpunkt für die gesamte Analyse.

The date functions as a reference point for the entire analysis.

Verb 'fungieren' with 'als'.

Die Relevanz dieses Datums kann kaum überschätzt werden.

The relevance of this date can hardly be overestimated.

Genitive 'dieses Datums'.

Das Datum wurde bewusst so gewählt, um maximale Wirkung zu erzielen.

The date was deliberately chosen to achieve maximum effect.

Infinitive clause with 'um... zu'.

Hinter diesem Datum verbirgt sich eine komplexe Geschichte.

Behind this date lies a complex story.

Reflexive verb 'sich verbergen'.

Das Datum ist untrennbar mit dem Schicksal der Nation verbunden.

The date is inseparably linked to the fate of the nation.

Adjective 'untrennbar'.

Man sollte das Datum im Kontext der damaligen Zeit sehen.

One should see the date in the context of the time.

Modal verb 'sollte' with 'man'.

Das Datum markiert eine Zäsur in der Unternehmensgeschichte.

The date marks a turning point in the company's history.

Noun 'Zäsur' (caesura/turning point).

Das Datum ist lediglich ein formaler Aspekt der Vereinbarung.

The date is merely a formal aspect of the agreement.

Adverb 'lediglich'.

Das Datum erweist sich bei näherer Betrachtung als arbiträr.

The date proves to be arbitrary upon closer inspection.

Reflexive verb 'sich erweisen' with 'als'.

Die Fixierung auf ein bestimmtes Datum greift hier zu kurz.

The focus on a specific date falls short here.

Idiom 'zu kurz greifen'.

Das Datum ist ein Konstrukt, das die Kontinuität der Zeit unterbricht.

The date is a construct that interrupts the continuity of time.

Relative clause 'das die Kontinuität... unterbricht'.

In der Retrospektive gewinnt das Datum an symbolischer Bedeutung.

In retrospect, the date gains symbolic significance.

Verb 'gewinnen' with 'an' + dative.

Das Datum fungiert als Anker in der Flut der Ereignisse.

The date acts as an anchor in the flood of events.

Metaphorical usage.

Die zeitliche Einordnung durch ein Datum ist oft trügerisch.

Temporal classification by a date is often deceptive.

Adjective 'trügerisch'.

Das Datum entzieht sich einer eindeutigen Interpretation.

The date eludes a clear interpretation.

Reflexive verb 'sich entziehen' with dative.

Das Datum ist der steinerne Zeuge eines längst vergangenen Tages.

The date is the stone witness of a long-past day.

Poetic/Metaphorical genitive.

Common Collocations

heutiges Datum

genaues Datum

falsches Datum

historisches Datum

Datum festlegen

Datum ändern

Datum prüfen

Datum eintragen

Datum der Geburt

Datum der Unterschrift

Common Phrases

Welches Datum haben wir heute?

Das Datum steht fest.

Vom Datum her passt es.

Ein Datum vereinbaren.

Bis zu diesem Datum.

Ab diesem Datum.

Stand vom Datum...

Das Datum der Ausstellung.

Das Datum der Lieferung.

Ohne Datum und Unterschrift.

Often Confused With

Datum vs Termin (Appointment)

Datum vs Date (Romantic)

Datum vs Zeit (Time in general)

Idioms & Expressions

"Das Datum ist verstrichen (The deadline has passed)"

"Ein Datum für die Ewigkeit (A date for eternity/history)"

"Auf das Datum pochen (To insist on a specific date/deadline)"

"Ein Datum im Kalender rot anstreichen (To mark a date in red/special day)"

"Das Datum ist Programm (The date itself says it all)"

"Nach dem Datum schauen (To check the date/be aware of time)"

"Das Datum ist Schall und Rauch (The date doesn't matter/is fleeting)"

"Ein Datum setzen (To set a deadline)"

"Vom Datum überholt sein (To be outdated)"

"Das Datum im Blick behalten (To keep an eye on the date)"

Easily Confused

Datum vs

Sentence Patterns

Word Family

Nouns

Datierung

Datensatz

Datenbank

Datenschutz

Verbs

datieren

vordatieren

nachdatieren

Adjectives

datiert

undatiert

How to Use It

abbreviation

Often abbreviated as 'Dat.' in forms.

singular vs plural

Datum (one day) vs. Daten (multiple days or data).

Common Mistakes

Using 'Datum' for a romantic date.
Writing dates with slashes (12/05/2023).
Saying 'am' with only a year (am 2023).
Treating 'Daten' (data) as a singular noun.
Forgetting the dot in written ordinal numbers.

Tips

Ordinal Endings

When using 'am' with a date, the number always ends in '-en'. For example: am zweiten, am zwanzigsten. This is because 'am' (an dem) triggers the dative case. Practice this by saying your birthday with 'am'.

The German Dot

Never forget the dot after the day and month when writing a date. 12.05.2023 is correct; 12/05/2023 is not standard in Germany. The dot is the signal for an ordinal number, which is how dates are conceived in German.

Date vs. Termin

Always remember: 'Datum' is the day on the calendar, 'Termin' is the meeting you have. If you have a doctor's appointment, it's a 'Termin'. If you are looking for the day's number, it's the 'Datum'.

Precision Matters

In Germany, dates are often treated as firm deadlines. If a document says 'Datum der Abgabe: 01.10.', submitting it on 02.10. is often not accepted. Pay close attention to dates in all official correspondence.

Asking the Date

Memorize the phrase 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?'. It's the most natural way to ask for the date. While 'Was ist das Datum?' is understandable, it sounds like a direct translation from English and is less idiomatic.

Plural Context

When you hear 'Daten', look at the context. If the conversation is about computers, it's 'data'. If it's about a series of events on a calendar, it's 'dates'. This will save you a lot of confusion in professional settings.

Visual Association

Associate 'Datum' with a stamp. In Germany, many documents are stamped with a 'Datumsstempel'. Visualizing a red stamp hitting a paper with 'DATUM' can help you remember the word and its administrative importance.

Compound Nouns

German loves compound nouns. 'Geburtsdatum' (birth date), 'Erscheinungsdatum' (publication date), 'Gründungsdatum' (founding date). If you know 'Datum', you already know half of dozens of other useful words.

Neuter Gender

Remember 'das Datum'. Neuter nouns often end in '-um' in German (like Museum, Zentrum). This can be a helpful pattern to remember the gender of this and other similar words.

Formal Letters

In formal letters, the date is often preceded by 'den'. Example: 'Berlin, den 10. Januar 2024'. This 'den' is an accusative article. Using it correctly will make your formal German writing look much more authentic.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Latin

Cultural Context

DD.MM.YYYY is the standard.

Dates are crucial for legal validity in Germany.

Always use a dot after the number in writing.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Welches Datum haben wir heute?"

"Wann ist dein Geburtsdatum?"

"Hast du schon ein Datum für deinen Urlaub?"

"Welches Datum ist der nächste Feiertag?"

"Kannst du das Datum auf diesem Brief lesen?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe das heutige Datum und beschreibe deinen Tag.

Welches Datum in deinem Leben war besonders wichtig?

Warum ist ein korrektes Datum in Dokumenten wichtig?

Was ist dein Lieblingsdatum im Jahr?

Planst du deine Termine nach dem Datum oder nach dem Wochentag?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'Datum' is always a neuter noun in German. You should always use 'das' with it in the nominative and accusative cases. For example, 'Das Datum ist korrekt.' This is consistent across all levels of German grammar.

The most common way to ask is 'Welches Datum haben wir heute?' which literally means 'Which date do we have today?'. You can also say 'Der Wievielte ist heute?', which is very common in spoken German. Both are perfectly acceptable.

No, 'Daten' is the plural of 'Datum' (dates), but it is also the standard word for 'data' in computer science and statistics. Context is vital to distinguish between the two. For example, 'Die Daten im Kalender' refers to dates, while 'Die Daten auf der Festplatte' refers to data.

In German, the dot after a number indicates that it is an ordinal number (1st, 2nd, 3rd). So '1.' means 'first', and '1. Mai' means 'first of May'. Without the dot, it would just be the number one, which is not how dates are written.

No, that is a common mistake for English speakers. For a romantic date, Germans use the English word 'Date' (pronounced like in English) or 'Verabredung'. If you use 'Datum', people will think you are talking about a calendar entry.

In a formal letter, you usually write the city followed by the date: 'Hamburg, den 15.03.2024'. The 'den' is used because it's in the accusative case, implying 'on the 15th day'. It is usually placed in the top right corner.

A 'Datum' is a specific day on the calendar (e.g., July 4th). A 'Termin' is an appointment or a scheduled meeting (e.g., a doctor's appointment at 2 PM). You can have a 'Termin' on a specific 'Datum'.

You say 'am ersten Januar'. The 'am' is a contraction of 'an dem', which puts the following ordinal number into the dative case, hence the '-en' ending on 'ersten'. This is a very important rule for speaking correctly.

No, 'Datum' only refers to the day, month, and year. For the time of day (e.g., 10:30), you use the word 'Uhrzeit'. If a form asks for both, it will usually say 'Datum und Uhrzeit'.

It means 'expiry date' or 'expiration date'. You will see this on everything from food packaging to credit cards and official documents. It tells you until which 'Datum' something is valid or safe to use.