Fließtext

Fließtext, literally meaning “flowing text,” refers to continuous prose that forms the main body of a written document. It is the running narrative or expository material intended to be read in uninterrupted sequences, as opposed to non-prose elements such as lists, captions, quotes, footnotes, or headings.

In typography, Fließtext is organized into sentences and paragraphs. Readability depends on factors such as line length, text alignment, font choice, and spacing. A readable line length is achieved by keeping lines of moderate length and providing consistent leading. Paragraphs are usually separated by a blank line or an indentation. Hyphenation is used to minimize ragged spaces and to avoid overly short or long lines.

German editorial practice often emphasizes careful typographic treatment of Fließtext. The text is typically set in a readable typeface, with appropriate margins and contrast. Justification may be employed to create a uniform right edge, though left-aligned text is common in digital media to reduce irregular spacing. Spacing between paragraphs and the use of clear punctuation support smooth reading.

On digital platforms, Fließtext must adapt to varying screen sizes and reading contexts. Responsive typography, accessible font sizes, and adequate contrast contribute to readability. Guidelines often address a balance between aesthetic design and legibility, avoiding excessively long lines and distracting hyphenation patterns.

Etymologically and practically, Fließtext denotes the main prose portion of a document, distinguishing it from other text types such as headings, lists, tables, and captions. It serves to convey narrative and information in a coherent, contiguous form.