Maßgabe

Maßgabe is a German noun (feminine) that designates a standard, guideline, or instruction issued by an authority and prescribing what must be done or which criteria must be met. The term is used in administrative, legal, technical, and organizational contexts and can denote either a binding requirement or a reference point for evaluation and decision-making.

Etymology and scope: The word combines Maß (measure) and Gabe (giving/provision). Historically it signified a given provision or prescribed rule and has remained in use in formal, rule-bound language across various domains.

Usage and nuances: In public administration, Maßgaben establish conditions in contracts, tenders, or regulations. In engineering, architecture, and construction, they specify technical requirements. In education, journalism, or the arts, they may define the scope or constraints of a task. Maßgabe often implies a stronger, more binding directive than a loose guideline, though its force can vary by context. It is commonly contrasted with Richtlinie (guideline) and Vorgabe (specification or instruction), with Maßgabe emphasizing the criterion or constraint set by authority.

Examples: Die Maßgabe der Ausschreibung verlangt eine Energieeffizienzklasse A. Nach den Maßgaben des Regisseurs wurde die Szene gekürzt. Der Bericht wurde gemäß den Maßgaben des Auditplans erstellt.

See also: Richtlinie, Vorgabe, Anweisung, Vorschrift.