German word

pünktlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈpʏŋktlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbon time

Example

Der Zug kommt pünktlich an.

The train arrives on time.

Illustration for pünktlich (on time)

More examples

Wenn du pünktlich antwortest, wirkt das professioneller.

If you reply on time, you look more professional.

Core concept

A scheduled event starts when its designated clock mark arrives, neither late nor off schedule.

Common phrases

  • pünktlich beginnen

    begin on time

  • pünktlich erscheinen

    appear on time

Similar words

rechtzeitig: Completed in time for a required or intended purpose.
frühzeitig: Done in advance, leaving ample time before it is needed.
punktgenau: Precisely matching the set time for arrival or departure.

Definition in German

Ohne Verzögerung zur vorgesehenen Zeit eintreffen; pünktlich beginnen oder enden.

Word origin

German formed pünktlich from Punkt ('point') and the adjective suffix -lich; Punkt entered German from Latin punctum.

Usage tips

  • Pünktlich can describe people as well as events, as in Er ist immer pünktlich, meaning that he reliably arrives on time.

Other meanings

  • on scheduleadjective
  • punctualadjective

Opposites

  • verspätetlateadverb

Related words

  • Pünktlichkeitpunctualitynoun

Word lists with this word