Einzelwert

Einzelwert is a German noun meaning a single value or individual value. It is used in technical contexts to denote a lone numeric quantity, as opposed to a collection, such as a set, vector, or function of multiple variables. The term emphasizes discreteness and singularity of the value in question.

In mathematics and computer science, der Einzelwert refers to the value of a quantity at a specific point. For a function f, the single value at x = a is the Einzelwert f(a). In data structures and numerical computations, a scalar stored as an einzelner Wert contrasts with a vector or matrix element. The wording often appears in phrases like “Einzelwert eines Befehls” or “Einzelwert der Messung.”

In statistics and measurement contexts, der Einzelwert denotes an individual observation or measurement result. It is used to distinguish a lone data point from aggregated descriptors such as averages, sums, or distributions. For example, a single recorded measurement of 7.3 units would be described as der messbare Einzelwert.

Relation to other terms is important: the standard German mathematical term for the eigenvalue is Eigenwert, not Einzelwert. Thus, Einzelwert is not a canonical synonym for eigenvalues, but may appear in older literature, didactic texts, or in contexts where the emphasis is on a single value rather than a spectrum.

Overall, Einzelwert is a general, context-dependent label for a lone numeric value, with usage largely informal or descriptive rather than representing a specialized technical term. See also: Eigenwert, Messwert, Einzelmesswert.