LeseLänge

Leselänge is a German term that translates to reading length. It is not a strict, standardized term in typography or literacy science; its exact meaning depends on context. In design discourse, Leselänge is often used informally to refer to the line length—the horizontal extent of a block of text and the number of characters or words in a line. Readability improves when line length stays within practical bounds; common guidance suggests around 45 to 75 characters per line, with adjustments based on font, size, and medium.

In reading research, Leselänge may denote the amount of text presented to a reader in a single segment or the length of an excerpt used in experiments to study processing and comprehension. Researchers compare shorter versus longer segments to assess effects on reading speed, accuracy, and cognitive load. Longer segments can increase memory demands and disrupt fluency, while very short segments may hinder narrative flow.

Because the term is variably used, it is important to clarify its meaning when encountered. If Leselänge appears in a text, determine whether it refers to line length (typography) or to the length of text passages used in an experimental or instructional setting. Related concepts include Zeilenlänge (line length), Lesbarkeit (readability), and Leseverhalten (reading behavior).