Referenzabstand

Referenzabstand, literally “reference distance,” is a term used in German-language technical contexts to denote a defined distance that serves as a reference point for measurements, tolerances, or comparisons. It provides a stable baseline so that dimensions, positions, or performance can be assessed consistently across different situations.

In road traffic engineering and vehicle dynamics, referenzabstand is often used to describe the standard distance used to evaluate following distance, braking performance, or sensor detection ranges in guidelines. The exact value depends on regulations, vehicle type, and scenario. In acoustics and loudspeaker measurement, referenzabstand describes the distance from the source to the measurement microphone at which sound pressure level is specified; common reference distances are 1 meter in free-field conditions, but standards may specify other distances depending on the method. In mechanical engineering and manufacturing, referenzabstand serves as a baseline for alignment, assembly, and metrology; it defines how far components are placed from a reference datum during testing or production.

In practice, the referenzabstand is defined in standards, technical guidelines, or project specifications. It is not a universal constant; practitioners must verify the value in the relevant document to ensure comparability and repeatability.

Etymology: the term combines Referenz (reference) and Abstand (distance). See also reference value, metrology, tolerances, and measurement distance.