Diagramm

Diagramm is a graphical representation used to convey information, relationships, or processes. It uses symbols such as lines, arrows, boxes, and shapes to organize content in a visual form. Diagrams help illustrate structures, flows, hierarchies, or dependencies more compactly than text alone, and they are widely used in science, engineering, education, and business. The German term Diagramm is related to the broader English word diagram and shares roots in Greek diagramma, meaning a drawing or outline.

There are many kinds of diagrams. Flowcharts map steps in a process; circuit and wiring diagrams depict electrical connections; schematic diagrams present components and their interconnections; tree and mind maps show hierarchies and ideas; Venn diagrams illustrate relationships and intersections; organizational charts show reporting lines. In data visualization, diagrams can accompany charts and graphs, including bar charts and line graphs, to show data alongside structure. In software and engineering, diagram types such as UML diagrams model system architecture, while block diagrams simplify complex systems into functional blocks.

Diagrams are typically designed with clarity in mind: clear symbols, consistent labels, and a logical layout to minimize ambiguity. They may be drawn by hand or produced with computer-aided design (CAD) and diagramming tools. Standards exist in many domains to promote readability, such as predefined symbols in electrical or architectural diagrams.