Anmerkungen

Anmerkungen (German for notes or annotations) are remarks, explanations, or references added to a text to clarify, document, or comment on its content. The term derives from an- (added) and Merken (to note). In scholarly and editorial contexts, Anmerkungen accompany the main text without interrupting its flow, serving as a support apparatus for readers.

In practice, Anmerkungen appear in various forms. They commonly take the shape of Fußnoten (footnotes) or Endnoten (endnotes), which provide sources, definitions, translations, or brief clarifications. Anmerkungen may also appear as marginalia or as an Anhang of the edition, containing textual variants, critical remarks, or bibliographic references. In scientific and humanities publishing, the Anmerkungen help document sources, indicate alternative readings, and offer context that is not central to the argument but essential for scholarly rigor.

A related distinction in practice is between Anmerkungen and Kommentar. Anmerkungen are typically informational or evidentiary, whereas Kommentare are more interpretive, argumentative, or discursive analyses added by the editor or author. In this sense, Anmerkungen reinforce the primary text with factual or contextual material rather than providing the main interpretive stance.

Beyond traditional print, Anmerkungen also appear in digital texts as inline annotations, hyperlinks, or tooltips, enabling readers to access notes without turning pages. They are common in literature editions, religious or legal texts, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and academic papers.