tähtajaline

Tähtaajaline is an Estonian adjective meaning time-limited or fixed-term. The word combines tähtaeg (deadline, term) with the suffix -line, signaling that something has a defined end date or duration.

In law and contracts, tähtajaline describes agreements with a predetermined term or end condition. The most common example is tähtajaline tööleping (fixed-term employment contract), which is set for a defined period or for the duration of a project. Other contexts include tähtajaline üürileping (fixed-term lease) and tähtajaline laen (loan with a maturity date), where obligations and rights exist for the specified term.

Key characteristics include a fixed term and an endpoint; the contract or obligation ends automatically when the term expires or when the specified event occurs, unless extended or renewed by mutual agreement. Termination before the end of the term can be possible under certain clauses (such as mutual consent or breach), but is often subject to particular rules. Renewal may result in a new fixed-term contract or, in some legal systems, convert to an indefinite or permanent arrangement after repeated renewals or upon reaching a maximum total duration, depending on jurisdiction.

In everyday use, tähtajaline describes temporary positions, seasonal work, or time-bound projects, as well as agreements with explicit deadlines. The term contrasts with indefinite or permanent arrangements that lack a predetermined end date.

See also: tähtaeg, tähtajaline leping, üürileping.