Bildunterschrift

Bildunterschrift (German for “caption”) designates a brief explanatory text that accompanies an image, illustration, photograph, diagram or any other visual element in printed and digital media. Its primary function is to identify the content of the picture, provide context, and, where appropriate, convey additional information such as source, date, author or copyright details. In scholarly and journalistic publications, the caption often serves as a concise summary of the visual’s relevance to the surrounding text, thereby enhancing comprehension and aiding citation.

The format of a Bildunterschrift follows typographic conventions that vary by medium. In books and academic journals, captions are usually placed directly beneath the image, set in a smaller type size than the main body text, and may be numbered sequentially (e.g., Abb. 1, Abb. 2) to allow cross‑referencing. In newspapers and magazines, the caption frequently appears in a single line beneath the photo, often preceded by a credit line (“Foto: Max Mustermann”). Online platforms typically embed captions as alt‑text for accessibility, while also displaying visible text beneath the image for SEO and user engagement.

Historically, the practice of adding explanatory text to images dates back to illuminated manuscripts, where marginal notes described scenes. The modern caption emerged with the rise of mass‑produced print media in the 19th century, where it became essential for informing readers about photographs in newspapers and later in encyclopedias.

Guidelines for effective Bildunterschriften stress brevity, clarity, and factual accuracy. Redundant information already given in the main text is avoided, while essential details such as location, date, and attribution are included. Proper use of captions contributes to the overall readability and credibility of a publication.