Fachjargon

Fachjargon is the set of terms, phrases, abbreviations, and expressions used within a specific profession, discipline, or group. The term combines Fach (field) with Jargon and is used in German and other languages to describe specialized language. Fachjargon aims to convey precise meanings efficiently but can be opaque to nonexperts.

Characteristics and function: It emphasizes accuracy and speed in communication among practitioners. It helps standardize procedures, document processes, and share tacit knowledge. However, it can create barriers for lay audiences and newcomers when used without explanation.

Examples: in medicine, terms like myocardial infarction or hypertension; in law, terms such as estoppel; in information technology, API, refactoring, deployment; in education, Bloom's taxonomy and differentiation.

Management and critique: Teams often maintain glossaries or controlled vocabularies to balance precision with accessibility. Training and plain-language summaries can improve cross-disciplinary communication and public understanding. Critics argue that excessive Fachjargon can obscure reasoning, reduce transparency, and reinforce professional gatekeeping.

See also: jargon, professional language, terminology, glossaries.