Durchführung

Durchführung is a German noun meaning the act of carrying out, execution, or implementation of plans, orders, or procedures. It denotes the stage or process in which an intention or decision is turned into action and outcomes. The term stems from durch (through) and führen (to lead or conduct). In common usage, Durchführung can refer to the practical execution of tasks in many domains, from administration to science.

In law and administration, Durchführung describes the implementation or practical application of laws, regulations, or official decisions. It focuses on the operational side of making rules effective, including coordination, compliance, and documentation. It is distinct from the policy-making level (Entwurf, Gesetzgebung) and from coercive enforcement, which is Vollstreckung in a narrower sense.

In domains such as project management, industry, or research, Durchführung designates the phase where planned actions are executed: resources are mobilized, tasks are performed, and results are recorded. In science and medicine, it refers to carrying out experiments, clinical studies, or procedures: the conduct of a trial or a study.

Key considerations for Durchführung include clear instructions, quality control, risk management, and traceability. The term often appears in phrases like "Durchführung eines Plans," "Durchführung einer Maßnahme," or "Durchführung einer Studie." Related concepts are Umsetzung (implementation) and Planung (planning), with differing shades of emphasis on design, execution, and realization.