Aufschiebung

Aufschiebung is a German noun meaning postponement, deferral, or delay. The verb form is aufschieben; the noun denotes the act or result of delaying something to a later time. Etymologically, it combines auf- and schieben, literally “to push away” in time.

Usage and context vary. In law and administration, Aufschiebung refers to the temporary postponement of procedures, deadlines, or measures. Common phrases include Aufschiebung einer Verhandlung (postponement of a hearing) and Aufschiebung eines Termins (deferral of an appointment). In civil and administrative proceedings, authorities may grant Aufschiebung to allow for further preparation or due process. In financial contexts, Stundung denotes the deferment of a debt or payment obligation; Aufschiebung is broader and may concern orders, sanctions, or programmatic actions that are delayed.

In everyday language, aufschieben means to procrastinate or to put off tasks. The noun Aufschiebung is less common in casual speech but appears in formal or technical registers. It is often contrasted with Verzögerung (an incidental or slower-than-expected delay) and with Stundung (deferral of a payment obligation).

Notable nuance: Aufschiebung implies an intended or authorized delay, typically temporary and planned or contextually justified, whereas Verzögerung emphasizes unexpected or indirect delay, and Stundung emphasizes financial relief or extended payment terms.