Klärungsbedarf

Klärungsbedarf is a German term used to describe the need for clarification in a situation where information, requirements, or positions are unclear or incomplete, and proceeding would risk misunderstandings, errors, or disputes. The term is used across fields such as project management, business negotiations, law, and healthcare, as well as in daily organizational communication. Indicators include vague terms, inconsistent information, missing specifications, or contradicting statements. When Klärungsbedarf is identified, stakeholders typically engage in clarifying activities: ask targeted questions, request written clarifications, paraphrase and summarize to confirm mutual understanding, document the clarifications in a log, and set a deadline for decisions. In project management and requirements engineering, it often leads to a formal clarification phase and the creation of explicit acceptance criteria or change requests. In contract or legal contexts, it prompts interpretation, amendments, or risk assessments. In healthcare, Klärungsbedarf may concern diagnosis, treatment options, procedures, or consent, requiring patient-provider discussions and informed consent.

Failing to address Klärungsbedarf can cause delays, scope creep, increased costs, or disputes; addressing it promptly generally improves transparency, reduces risk, and supports better decisions. The term is often paired with Klärungsgespräch or Rückfragen and is integrated into risk management and stakeholder communication processes.