Belegschnitt

Belegschnitt is a term originating from German, often translated as "receipt cut" or "voucher cut." It generally refers to the act of cutting a receipt or voucher in a specific way to indicate that it has been used, processed, or validated. This practice is common in various commercial and administrative settings.

The purpose of a belegschnitt is to prevent the reuse of a document. For instance, after a customer pays for an item, the cashier might make a small cut on the receipt to signify that the payment has been received. This is a visual cue for employees that the transaction is complete and the receipt should not be processed again. Similarly, in accounting or inventory management, a belegschnitt might be applied to vouchers or delivery notes to show they have been accounted for or used.

The method of cutting can vary. It might be a simple slit with scissors, a small notch, or even a specific symbol stamped or cut into the paper. The key is that the cut is distinct enough to be easily recognizable and difficult to replicate on an uncanceled document. While modern digital systems often replace paper-based validation, the concept of a belegschnitt persists in some physical transaction environments. It serves as a straightforward, low-tech method for ensuring the integrity of record-keeping and preventing fraudulent duplication.