adjective
certain, definite
B1
Adjective meaning 'certain' or 'definite'. It's gradable (comparative: 'bestimmter', superlative: 'am bestimmtesten') and also a participle derived from the verb 'bestimmen'. Antonym: 'unbestimmt'. Used attributively or predicatively; in some contexts functions adverbially meaning 'surely' or 'certainly'. Common in formal and everyday German.
Examples
Ich bin mir sicher, dass er kommt.
I'm certain he'll come.
Wir brauchen eine bestimmte Antwort bis morgen.
We need a definite answer by tomorrow.
Der Termin war bestimmt wichtig, deshalb kam der Direktor pünktlich, obwohl der Verkehr langsam war.
The appointment was certainly important, so the director arrived punctually, although the traffic was slow.
Details
Mnemonics
picture a person pointing firmly and saying 'That's certain' — a fixed, determined pose
sounds like 'best time' — if it's the best time, it's certain
Notes
Derived from the verb 'bestimmen' (to determine). As a participial adjective it can describe someone's manner (determined) or something clear/definite.