nachträglich

Nachträglich is a German adverb and adjective meaning occurring after the fact or added at a later date. It describes actions, information, or changes that take place later than originally planned or expected. In official contexts it is common in phrases such as nachträgliche Genehmigung (retroactive approval), nachträgliche Änderung (subsequent amendment), or nachträglich geltend machen (to claim retroactively). In everyday language it can refer to belated actions, for example “ich reiche den Antrag nachträglich ein” (I submit the application belatedly) or “eine nachträgliche Zahlung” (a payment made later than scheduled).

Etymology: The term is formed from the prefix nach- meaning after, combined with a form related to tag or täglich; the sense is literalized as occurring after the day or date, i.e., at a later time. The nuance centers on addition or adjustment after an initial event.

Usage and nuance: Nachträglich often implies that something is added, corrected, or recognised after the original occasion, sometimes with prospective or retrospective effects. It is not identical to verspätet (late in time) and is not always the same as rückwirkend (retroactive with effect from a past date). In many contexts, nachträglich signals a post hoc modification or supplementation rather than mere delay.

Related terms include Nachtrag (addendum), nachträgliche Anfügung, and rückwirkend (depending on whether the focus is on addition or retroactive effect).