Definitionszusammenhang

Definitionszusammenhang describes the contextual framework in which a definition is presented within a text. It concerns how the term is defined, to what scope the definition applies, and how the defined term interacts with other terms and with the surrounding discourse.

The concept is used in linguistics, lexicography, and law to analyze how meaning is established and maintained. A typical Definitionszusammenhang includes the definiendum (the term being defined), the definiens (the definition itself), the scope or applicability (where and to whom the definition applies), and cross-references to related terms or conditions that constrain the meaning. It also encompasses assumptions, exclusions, and the procedural order in which definitions are introduced.

A clear Definitionszusammenhang supports precision by reducing ambiguity, avoiding circular or overlapping definitions, and guiding interpretation of later text that uses the defined terms. It helps ensure consistency across a document and provides a stable basis for reasoning about terms as they are used in different contexts.

In practice, the Definitionszusammenhang is central in dictionaries, standards, and legal drafting. For example, a contract may define “Product” and “Delivery” and explain how those terms interact, which in turn determines the interpretation of related clauses. If the definitions diverge from common usage or are introduced without clear scope, the resulting ambiguity can undermine the contract’s interpretive framework.

See also: definitional context, definiendum, definiens, scope of definition.