Hauptskala

Hauptskala is a German term that translates roughly as "principal scale" or "main scale." It is not a fixed technical term with a single, universal meaning; instead, its exact sense depends on the discipline and context in which it appears. Etymologically, it combines Haupt (main, principal) with Skala (scale), itself borrowed from Latin scala or French échelle.

In music theory, the standard term for the central scale of a key is typically Dur-Tonleiter or Große Tonleiter. Some authors, especially in earlier German literature, may use Hauptskala informally to refer to the principal scale under examination, but this usage is nonstandard.

In data collection and analysis, Hauptskala may be used to denote the primary measurement scale against which other scales are compared, such as a main rating or ordinal scale. For example, a survey might designate die Hauptskala der Bewertung as a 1–5 Likert-type scale.

In cartography and technical drawing, Hauptskala can appear as a generic label for the main scale of a chart or diagram, though Maßstab remains the common term for map scale.

Because Hauptskala is not a fixed term, authors should define its meaning in context. In contemporary German technical writing, more precise terms are usually preferred to avoid ambiguity.

See also: Skalierung, Maßstab, Skala, Major scale (Dur-Tonleiter).