German word

befristen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈfʁɪstn̩/

Meaning

  • verbset a time limit on

Example

Wir befristen den Vertrag auf ein Jahr.

We are setting a one-year time limit on the contract.

Illustration for befristen (set a time limit on)

More examples

Die Firma befristet die Stelle auf zwei Jahre.

The company is setting a two-year time limit on the position.

Core concept

An arrangement has an assigned span that ends at a visible boundary.

Common phrases

  • befristen den Vertrag

    set a time limit on the contract

  • befristen ein Arbeitsverhältnis

    set a time limit on an employment relationship

Similar words

festlegen: Specify a date, condition, or period precisely.
vereinbaren: Agree on a date or condition together.
verlängern: Make a validity period or deadline last longer.
beschränken: Narrow the scope of an activity or use.

Definition in German

einem Vertrag, einer Stelle oder einer Regelung eine bestimmte Dauer geben

Word origin

Befristen is a be- derivative of Frist, meaning a limited period, and the ending -en turns this noun-based form into a transitive verb.

Usage tips

  • Befristen is common in contracts, employment, and administrative language, whereas everyday speech often uses phrases such as für ein Jahr.

Other meanings

  • put ___ on a fixed-term basisverb

Opposites

  • entfristenmake open-endedverb

Related words

  • Befristungfixed-term arrangementnoun
  • befristetfixed-termadjective

Word lists with this word