määräaikan

Määräaikainen is a Finnish term that translates to "fixed-term" or "temporary" in English. It is commonly used to describe contracts, employment, or other agreements that have a specific end date or duration.

In the context of employment, a määräaikainen employment contract is an agreement where the employee is hired for a limited period. This contrasts with an indefinite-term contract (toistaiseksi voimassa oleva työsopimus), which continues until either party terminates it. The reasons for a fixed-term employment can vary, such as covering for parental leave, seasonal work, or specific project needs. Finnish labor law has regulations regarding the use of fixed-term employment, aiming to prevent its misuse for permanent positions.

The term also applies to other contractual situations. For instance, a loan agreement might have a määräaikainen repayment schedule, or a lease agreement could be for a fixed term. The core concept is that the arrangement is not open-ended but is set to conclude at a predetermined point. Understanding the fixed duration is crucial for all parties involved, as it defines the commitment and the eventual end of the agreement.