Ausleitungsseite

Ausleitungsseite is a special type of page used on German-language wikis, most notably on the German version of Wikipedia. The term derives from the German verb “ausleiten,” meaning to route or forward, and the word “Seite,” meaning page. An Ausleitungsseite functions as a redirect that forwards users who access a page with a deprecated or removed title to another relevant page or to a deletion notice. Its primary purpose is to preserve links from older revisions or from external use, preventing broken links and guiding editors and readers to the correct information.

The creation of an Ausleitungsseite typically follows a formal discussion or a deletion recommendation. Once a page is slated for deletion, the article’s title is not removed immediately; instead, an Ausleitungsseite is placed at that title and set to redirect to the deletion discussion or to a notice page explaining the deletion. This approach maintains the historiography of the page and provides readers with a record of the change.

In terms of policy, Ausleitungsseiten are governed by guidelines that emphasize clarity, proper categorization, and the avoidance of unnecessary redirects. If a page contains content that is no longer relevant but the title could still be useful, editors may opt to create a “kinder” version of the article and move the title to an Ausleitungsseite, ensuring a smooth user experience. The system encourages transparent documentation of edits, ensuring that link rot does not compromise the informational integrity of the wiki.