Konzept

Konzept is a German noun that denotes a plan, idea, approach, or framework designed to guide action or explain a phenomenon. In professional contexts it refers to a high-level blueprint that outlines objectives, scope, and key decisions before detailed specifications or implementation.

Etymology and related terms: The term derives from Latin conceptus, passing into German through Romance-language sources such as French. The related noun Konzeption describes the act or process of conceiving and developing ideas, while Konzept usually denotes the resulting idea or framework itself. In everyday language, Konzept and Konzeption may be used together to distinguish the end product from the process.

Contexts and usage: Conceptual language appears across many fields. In business and public administration one talks about a marketingkonzept, a kommunikationskonzept, or a bildungskonzept to summarize strategy and methods. In design and product development, a concept describes the core idea and features of a project before it becomes a product spec. In academia, Konzept can refer to a theoretical framework or model that structures analysis, though in philosophy the term Begriff is more common for a narrowly defined “concept.”

Development and deliverables: Creating a Konzept typically involves defining goals, target groups, constraints, core propositions, and evaluation criteria. It is often documented in a concept paper, slide deck, or brief that is reviewed by stakeholders and serves as the basis for later planning, design, and implementation.

Relation to other terms: Konzept emphasizes planning and framing, while terms like Plan, Konzeptionsarbeit, and Begründung highlight execution and justification. A well-conceived Konzept aligns vision with practical steps and measurable outcomes.