German word

rechtzeitig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁɛçtˌtsaɪ̯tɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbin time

Example

Wir haben rechtzeitig reagiert.

We responded in time.

Illustration for rechtzeitig (in time)

More examples

Ich habe die Rechnung rechtzeitig bezahlt.

I paid the bill in time.

Core concept

A person reaches a closing gate while it is still open, with enough time to pass.

Common phrases

  • rechtzeitig reagieren

    respond in time

  • rechtzeitig bezahlen

    pay in time

Similar words

Pünktlich: At the exact scheduled time for an appointment or event.
früh: Earlier than the planned or expected time.
sofort: Immediately, without hesitation or delay.

Definition in German

zur richtigen Zeit, sodass etwas nicht zu spät geschieht.

Word origin

Rechtzeitig is a German compound of recht ('right, proper') and zeitig ('early, timely'), with zeitig formed from Zeit ('time') and -ig.

Usage tips

  • Unlike pünktlich, rechtzeitig focuses on being early enough to avoid lateness rather than arriving at an exact scheduled time.

Other meanings

  • on timeadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word