Querschnittskompetenz

Querschnittskompetenz refers to competencies that apply across different subject areas and contexts, i.e., transversal abilities that are not tied to a single discipline. These competencies enable individuals to transfer knowledge, skills, and attitudes from one situation to another and to adapt to varying requirements in education, training, and the workplace. Typical categories include personal, social, methodological, and digital competencies, such as self-management, teamwork, communication, problem solving, information literacy, and ethical judgment.

In curricula, Querschnittskompetenzen are developed and assessed alongside Fachkompetenzen (subject-specific skills). They are often fostered through interdisciplinary projects, complex tasks, and learning in real-world or simulated work contexts. Assessments may be formative, performance-based, or portfolio-based to reflect ongoing development rather than single-test outcomes.

Implementation challenges include agreeing on common standards across subjects, aligning curricula and instruction, and ensuring teachers have the professional development to design tasks and apply rubrics for cross-cutting skills. Measuring such competencies can be more complex than assessing factual knowledge, necessitating clear criteria and longitudinal evaluation.

In vocational education and continuing education, Querschnittskompetenzen support employability by enabling effective teamwork, clear communication with diverse stakeholders, competent use of digital tools, and reflective learning. They complement Fachkompetenzen and are increasingly integrated into qualification frameworks and competency-based curricula in German-speaking education systems.