Editionsnummer

Editionsnummer is a numeric identifier used to distinguish different releases of a work within publishing, media, or product cataloging. It denotes a specific edition, print run, or version of a title or item, helping to differentiate changes in content, design, or production.

In print publishing, the editionsnummer often appears together with other bibliographic details such as year of publication, imprint, and format. A first edition is commonly labeled as the first Auflage or Erstausgabe, while later editions carry incremental numbers (2., 3., etc.) to indicate revisions, corrections, or updated material. The editionsnummer thus aids librarians, booksellers, and collectors in identifying the exact release.

The use of an editionsnummer is not strictly standardized and can vary by publisher. Some publishers omit the term or use alternative labels such as Ausgabe or Auflage. In some cases, an edition may be released without any change to content but still receive a new number, while other releases with substantial content changes might retain the same number.

In cataloging and metadata, the editionsnummer supports precise retrieval and comparison between editions. For collectors, newer or limited editions may carry particular value, and the edition number can influence rarity and price. For digital products, version numbers or release notes fulfill a similar function in identifying specific iterations of a work.