German word

festlegen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɛstˌleːgn̩/

Meaning

  • verbset

Example

Ich lege das Datum fest.

I set the date.

Illustration for festlegen (set)

More examples

Wir legen einen Termin fest.

We are scheduling an appointment.

Core concept

A date, rule, or course of action is placed firmly so that later arrangements follow it.

Common phrases

  • Termin festlegen

    schedule an appointment

  • Datum festlegen

    set a date

Similar words

abmachen: To agree on a date or detailed arrangement through discussion with another party.
ausmachen: To settle a date or appointment by phone or in conversation.
vereinbaren: To formally agree on a schedule or conditions after discussing them.

Definition in German

Durch Entscheidung oder Anordnung etwas so bestimmen, dass es rechtlich oder organisatorisch verbindlich gilt.

Word origin

Festlegen combines fest ('firm') with legen ('to lay' or 'place'), creating the sense of laying something down firmly as a fixed arrangement.

Usage tips

  • As a separable verb, festlegen appears as legt ... fest in a main clause, as in Ich lege das Datum fest.

Other meanings

  • decideverb
  • determineverb

Opposites

  • offenlassenleave openverb

Related words

Word lists with this word