Akten

Akten are collections of documents compiled to record information about a person, case, project, or subject, used primarily in German-speaking administration, judiciary, and archival practice. The term Akte (plural Akten) denotes a dossier or file and derives from Latin acta, through German usage, reflecting records of actions, decisions, and proceedings.

In administrative and legal contexts, Akten function as authoritative sources that support decision-making, accountability, and traceability. They typically contain correspondence, forms, reports, attachments, and notes arranged by case number or subject. The organization of Akten relies on a file plan (Aktenplan) and identifiers such as Aktenzeichen (case or file number), enabling efficient retrieval and cross-referencing. Akten can be physical folders stored in cabinets or digital datasets managed in electronic document management systems.

Common types of Akten include personalakten (employee records), verfahrensakten or verfahrensakten (case files in courts or agencies), projektakten (project files), and geschäftsakten (business files). Digitalization has transformed Akten management, introducing metadata, full-text search, version control, and stricter access controls. Privacy and data protection considerations are central, with retention periods ( Löschfristen ), data minimization, and restricted access to sensitive information.

In archival practice, Akten are evaluated for long-term preservation based on provenance, context, and historical value. Proper handling, indexing, and transfer to archival repositories ensure enduring access for research and accountability, while balancing privacy and security concerns. Related concepts include Aktenordnung, Aktenführung, Archiv, and the broader field of archival science (Aktenkunde).

See also: personalakte, verfahrensakte, Aktenplan, Archiv, Datenschutz.