Rechtzeitigem

Rechtzeitigem is a German inflected form of the adjective rechtzeitig, meaning timely or in good time. It is not a separate lexical item but the dative singular form used when the adjective directly modifies a masculine or neuter noun in a context without a definite determiner, i.e., a strong declension environment. The ending -em signals dative singular.

In practice, rechtzeitigem appears in phrases such as mit rechtzeitigem Handeln (with timely action) or zu rechtzeitigem Zeitpunkt (at a timely moment). When the noun is accompanied by a definite determiner, the form changes to dem rechtzeitigen Handeln or dem rechtzeitigen Zeitpunkt, where the ending is -en. With an indefinite article, as in einem rechtzeitigen Zeitpunkt, the adjective takes the mixed declension ending rechtzeitigen. Thus, rechtzeitigem is most common in noun phrases lacking a determiner or following certain prepositions that govern the dative.

Usage notes: rechtzeitig, as an adjective, can describe actions, decisions, or timings, and is closely related to the concept of punctuality or prudent timing. As an adverb, it also means “on time” or “in a timely manner,” but the adverbial use does not produce the form rechtzeitigem; the adverb remains rechtzeitig. The choice of ending for rechtzeitig in a clause depends on the presence and type of determiner before the noun.

Etymology: rechtzeitig derives from the combination of recht (correct, proper) and zeitig (timely), a construction that has been part of the German language for centuries. The form rechtzeitigem reflects standard German inflection patterns for adjectives in the dative singular.