festlegt

Festlegen is a German verb meaning to determine, fix, or establish something as binding or definite. It is used when someone with authority or responsibility decides terms, conditions, dates, prices, rules, or other criteria that should be followed or considered final. In standard usage the verb is separable in the present tense, so the sentence structure typically places the prefix aside from the verb stem: for example, der Rat legt den Termin fest (the council sets the deadline).

Forms and grammatical notes: The infinitive is festlegen. In present tense, it is conjugated as ich lege fest, du legst fest, er legt fest, wir legen fest, ihr legt fest, sie legen fest. The prefix is separated from the stem in main clauses. The past tense can be expressed with legte fest (simple past) or, in perfect tense, hat festgelegt. The noun form is Festlegung, referring to the act or result of determining something; related concepts include Bestimmung (determination) and Regelung (regulation).

Typical contexts: Festlegen occurs frequently in legal, administrative, contractual, and organizational settings. Examples include the government or a committee fixing dates, requirements, or standards; a contract that fixes terms; or a project team that establishes milestones. It can carry a neutral to formal tone and is common in official documents, policy discussions, and planning processes.

Related terms and contrasts: Festlegung emphasizes the act of fixing or deciding; alternatives include bestimmen (to determine), festsetzen (to set or impose), and klären (to clarify). The concept is central to processes that require clear, binding criteria or schedules.