Zeitpunkt

Zeitpunkt is a German noun meaning a specific moment in time. It denotes a precise instant or reference point at which something happens, is recorded, or is considered. The term is commonly used in everyday speech as well as in formal, legal, and historical writing. The plural form is Zeitpunkte.

Formation and usage: The word is a compound of Zeit (time) and Punkt (point). It is used to mark when events occur, such as in phrases like “Zu welchem Zeitpunkt hat das Treffen begonnen?” or “Der Zeitpunkt der Veröffentlichung wurde verschoben.” In contrast to “Moment” or “Augenblick,” Zeitpunkt tends to be more precise and formal, often designating a defined reference moment rather than a fleeting impression.

Computing and data contexts: In information technology, “Zeitpunkt” can translate the English “point in time” or be used interchangeably with “Zeitstempel” (timestamp). While a Zeitstempel records the exact moment (often in a machine-readable format), the word Zeitpunkt is more common when referring to the conceptual moment from a human or narrative perspective. In legal or procedural texts, “Zeitpunkt” is frequently used to specify deadlines or reference points in time.

Related terms: Related terms include Augenblick, Moment, Zeitstempel, and Stichtag. The choice among them depends on formality, precision, and context.