Datum
/ˈdaːtʊm/
The German word for the English phrase "date" (as a point in time) is Datum.
Datum is used to refer to a specific point in time, such as a day on a calendar.
Meaning: point in time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Datum refers to a specific point in time, its plural form Daten is also the common German word for "data" in a computing context.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Datum is a neuter noun and is accompanied by the article das. The plural form of Datum is Daten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdaːtʊm/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the English word "Date" (pronounced like the English word) to refer to a calendar date in German. In German, a word pronounced like "Date" refers to a romantic appointment.
Did you know?
- The word Datum comes from the Latin word for 'given', specifically referring to something 'given' in time.
- When writing dates, Germans use dots instead of slashes, such as writing '12.05.2023' instead of '12/05/2023'.
- Unlike English, which has 'date' for both a calendar day and a fruit, German uses Dattel for the fruit, keeping it entirely separate from Datum.
Examples in context
- Welches Datum ist heute?What's today's date?This sentence is useful for asking what the current calendar date is using Datum.Tatoeba #451354 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1495870 by CK
- Das genaue Datum ist 1742.The exact date is 1742.This sentence is useful for specifying a particular year or point in time using Datum.Tatoeba #2818750 by Zaghawa, translation #1164784 by cntrational
- Trage das Datum selbst ein.Write in the date yourself.This sentence is useful for instructing someone to record a specific date using Datum.Tatoeba #2009600 by Manfredo, translation #281155 by CK
- Können wir ein Rendezvous vereinbaren?Can we arrange a date?
- Hast du Lust auf eine Verabredung am Wochenende?Do you fancy a date this weekend?
- Ich würde gerne einen Termin vereinbaren.I would like to schedule a date.
- Könnten wir einen Termin für nächste Woche festlegen?Could we schedule a date for next week?
- Die Besprechung findet am vereinbarten Termin statt.The meeting will take place on the agreed date.
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are looking at a calendar in a living room.
- FelixWeißt du das Datum für den Termin?Do you know the date for the appointment?
- HannahJa, das Datum ist der zwölfte Mai.Yes, the date is the twelfth of May.
- FelixKann ich das Datum im Kalender notieren?Can I note the date in the calendar?
- HannahBitte, schreib das Datum direkt auf.Please, write the date down directly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Datum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Datum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
