Befristet

Befristet is a German adjective and adverb meaning “limited in time” or “for a specific period.” It describes arrangements, contracts, or permissions that have a defined end date or duration, in contrast to those that are indefinite. When something is befristet, it ends automatically at the end of the specified period unless it is renewed or extended by agreement.

Common contexts include befristete Arbeitsverträge (fixed-term employment contracts), befristete Mietverträge (temporary leases), and befristete Aufenthaltserlaubnisse (time-limited residence permits). Reasons for befristete terms include covering temporary workloads, project-based tasks, parental leave replacements, or grant-funded positions. In academia and research, befristete Mittel or positions are frequent, reflecting funding cycles and project timelines.

Legal framework: In Germany, fixed-term contracts are governed by the Teilzeit- und Befristungsgesetz (TzBfG). The law allows befristete arrangements to cover defined periods or temporary needs, and renewals may be possible under certain conditions. Absent a justified reason, a series of fixed-term contracts has limits on total duration and the number of renewals. The exact provisions depend on context and can be amended by legislation, court rulings, or sector-specific rules.

Etymology and usage notes: The term derives from Frist (deadline) with the prefix be-, indicating a set limit. The opposite of befristet is unbefristet, meaning indefinite or open-ended. In everyday language, befristet is commonly used for contracts, positions, or permissions that will lapse unless explicitly extended.