Lastenverzeichnis

Lastenverzeichnis, also known as Lastenheft in German project management, is a document that aggregates the requirements, expectations, and desired outcomes of the customer or end‑user for a given project or procurement. Its primary purpose is to provide a clear, comprehensive statement of what must be achieved before the project proceeds to design or implementation. The document typically includes functional and non‑functional requirements, performance criteria, interface specifications, legal or regulatory constraints, and acceptance tests. By articulating the buyer’s needs in a structured format, a Lastenverzeichnis serves as a contractual baseline that informs the supplier’s technical solution and ensures alignment between parties.

Lastenverzeichnisse differ from Pflichtenheften, which are the suppliers’ response documents outlining how they will meet the stated requirements. While the Lastenheft is customer‑centric, the Pflichtenheft is solution‑centric. The interplay between these documents establishes a two‑way verification process: the supplier’s Pflichtenheft must satisfy the buyer’s Lastenverzeichnis, and both are often used to assess bids during procurement.

In legal and public procurement contexts, a Lastenverzeichnis can become part of the contractual framework. It is frequently employed in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European jurisdictions where project management standards emphasize rigorous documentation. The benefits include reduced risk of scope creep, clearer communication, and a basis for performance evaluation. Potential drawbacks arise if the document is overly vague or excessively detailed, which can complicate negotiations or constrain innovation. Good practice recommends that a Lastenverzeichnis be living, reviewed regularly, and created with collaboration from stakeholders, technical experts, and legal advisors.