Hauptgliederung

Hauptgliederung is a German term that denotes the main division or primary subdivision within a larger whole. It refers to the central framework that organizes a document, plan, organization, or system. The term is formed from Haupt (main, chief) and Gliederung (structure, outline).

Usage: It is used in formal or technical language to mark the central parts of a structure, in contrast to Untergliederung (subdivision) or Nebengliederung (side subdivision). In planning, reporting, and organizational contexts, the Hauptgliederung identifies the principal sections or components that define the scope of the work.

Examples: In a project plan, the Hauptgliederung might be the sections Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. In a report, the Hauptgliederung describes the major chapters or segments, such as Introduction, Main Part, and Conclusion. In a company, the Hauptgliederung of the organization is typically formed by the main divisions or departments, for instance Sales, Production, and Finance.

Related terms include Gliederung (outline or structure) and Untergliederung (subdivision). The English equivalent is "main division" or "primary subdivision." The term is more common in administrative or technical writing than in everyday speech.