Begriffsdatenbank

A Begriffsdatenbank, also known as a thesaurus database or controlled vocabulary, is a structured collection of terms and their relationships within a specific domain or field of study. It serves as a standardized reference tool for indexing, searching, and retrieving information. Begriffsdatenbanken are commonly used in libraries, information science, and various professional fields to ensure consistency and precision in terminology.

The primary components of a Begriffsdatenbank include:

1. Descriptors: These are the main terms or concepts that represent the content of a document or information resource. Descriptors are typically selected from a controlled vocabulary to ensure uniformity.

2. Non-descriptors: These are terms that are related to the descriptors but are not used as the main terms. They can include synonyms, related terms, or broader/narrower terms.

3. Relationships: Begriffsdatenbanken establish various types of relationships between terms, such as synonymy (terms with the same meaning), homonymy (terms with different meanings but the same spelling), and hierarchical relationships (broader/narrower terms).

4. Scope notes: These are brief explanations that provide context and clarify the meaning of a term within the specific domain.

Begriffsdatenbanken are essential for improving information retrieval, as they help users find relevant information by using consistent and standardized terminology. They also facilitate interoperability between different information systems and databases by providing a common language for indexing and searching.