Korrekturmærker

Korrekturmærker, also known as proofreading marks or correction marks, are standardized symbols used by editors and proofreaders to indicate errors or suggested changes in a manuscript, document, or piece of text. These marks are a form of shorthand, allowing for quick and precise communication of needed revisions. The system is designed to be universally understood within the publishing and editing industries, though variations and specific institutional styles can exist.

The purpose of korrekturmærker is to streamline the editing process. Instead of writing lengthy explanations or using multiple strike-throughs and additions, a single, recognized symbol can convey a specific instruction. For example, a symbol resembling a caret (^) is used to indicate where something should be inserted, while a looped line is used to transpose letters or words. Other common marks denote deletions, paragraph breaks, capitalization changes, and font style alterations.

Traditionally, these marks were applied directly to a printed proof of a text. With the advent of digital workflows, many proofreading tasks are now done on screen, and while some digital tools mimic traditional marks, others use digital annotation features. However, the underlying principles and many of the classic symbols remain relevant for authors and editors communicating about textual revisions. Understanding korrekturmærker is a valuable skill for anyone involved in the creation or refinement of written content.