Invertierung

Invertierung is a German noun derived from invertieren. It denotes the act or result of inverting something: turning it upside down, reversing order, orientation, or configuration. The term is used in general language and in technical fields, but many disciplines prefer more specific terms such as inversion, Waldeninversion, or matrix inversion. In everyday language it can describe simple reversals or transformations.

In mathematics and computing, Invertierung denotes the process of obtaining an inverse: the inverse function, the inverse of a matrix, or the negation of a boolean expression. Matrixinversion and related computations are standard tasks in linear algebra and computer science.

In chemistry, Invertierung often refers to stereochemical inversion, notably Waldeninversion (Walden inversion), where a chiral center changes configuration via SN2, yielding the enantiomer. The term emphasizes the change of optical configuration rather than a general reversal.

In linguistics, Invertierung can describe reversal of typical word order, such as fronting an auxiliary to form questions or to emphasize a constituent. The conventional term in most texts is inversion; usage of invertierung varies by author.

Other uses include image or signal processing, where colors or amplitudes are inverted, and broader contexts where orientation or sequence is reversed. The exact meaning is determined by field and context.