Halbgeviertstrich

The Halbgeviertstrich, also known as the en dash or nut dash, is a typographical symbol with a width approximately equal to the en, a unit of measure in typography. Its length is typically half that of a full point (or em dash). In German typography, the Halbgeviertstrich is often used to indicate ranges, such as in numbers or dates, and to connect words that form a compound concept. For instance, it can be used to show a span of time from one hour to another, or to link a place name to an event. It is distinct from the Bindestrich (hyphen) which is used for word division and to create compound words, and the Gedankenstrich (em dash) which is used for parenthetical remarks or to denote a break in thought. The visual appearance of the Halbgeviertstrich is shorter than the em dash and often longer than a hyphen, though precise dimensions can vary between typefaces. Its correct usage helps to clarify meaning and maintain a clean typographical appearance.