Einzelquelle

Einzelquelle, in historiography, is the term for a primary source that serves as the sole basis for a specific historical claim, in contrast to Mehrquelle (multiple sources) that corroborate the same point. The concept is used to distinguish the evidentiary value and limitations of a single document or object from aggregated sources. In educational contexts, sources are often categorized as Einzelquelle or Mehrquelle, and the term can apply to written documents as well as non-written artifacts.

An Einzelquelle can be a diary, letter, official report, decree, or other textual source, as well as non-textual items like a map, photograph, or artwork. When evaluating an Einzelquelle, historians examine its origin, dating, purpose, and the perspective or bias of the creator. The reliability of an Einzelquelle depends on factors such as proximity to events, authority of the author, intended audience, and potential distortions or censorship. Because it reflects a single point of view, conclusions drawn from an Einzelquelle should be carefully qualified and clearly marked as tentative if corroboration is lacking.

Methodologically, analyzing an Einzelquelle involves source criticism (Quellenkritik): assessing authenticity, authorship, provenance, dating, and any alterations. The absence of corroborating sources means researchers should seek related evidence from other materials when possible and explicitly acknowledge uncertainties.

Practical use: in analysis and examination, students may study an Einzelquelle to extract information and assess its credibility, content, and limits for reconstructing past events.

See also: Quellenkritik, Mehrquelle, Primärquelle, Sekundärquelle.