rechtzeitige

Rechtzeitig is a German term that functions as an adverb and an adjective meaning “in good time,” “on time,” or “in time for a required moment.” The form rechtzeitige appears as the attributive feminine singular or plural form before a noun, as in die rechtzeitige Lieferung (the timely delivery) or rechtzeitige Informationen (timely information). The abstract noun commonly used to denote the quality itself is Rechtzeitigkeit (timeliness).

Usage and nuance

Rechtzeitig emphasizes sufficiency of timing relative to a deadline or expected point in time, rather than merely arriving at a scheduled moment. It is often contrasted with pünktlich (punctual), where pünktlich focuses on being at a specific appointed time, while rechtzeitig stresses readiness or adequacy of timing to prevent problems. In practical contexts such as logistics, medicine, and administration, timeliness can influence outcomes, costs, and compliance.

Contexts and examples

In logistics, ensuring rechtzeitige Lieferung helps avoid production halts. In healthcare, rechtzeitige Behandlung can improve prognosis. In project management, rechtzeitige Entscheidungen are important to avoid cascading delays. In legal and bureaucratic settings, deadlines are framed to require rechtzeitige submissions to meet requirements, though different terms like fristgerecht (within the prescribed deadline) may be used to describe compliance.

Grammar notes

The adjective rechtzeitig inflects with gender and number: der rechtzeitige Termin, die rechtzeitige Lieferung, das rechtzeitige Eintreffen; plural die rechtzeitigen Lieferungen. As a noun, timeliness is typically referred to by Rechtzeitigkeit rather than a standalone form of rechtzeitige.

See also

Pünktlichkeit, Frist, Fristgerecht, Termintreue, Rechtzeitigkeit.