Regelgetreu

Regelgetreu is a German adjective describing fidelity to rules or strict adherence to predefined guidelines. It denotes that an action, process, or system follows the applicable rules faithfully, often prioritizing compliance over discretionary interpretation. The term can apply to individuals, organizations, procedures, or technical devices that operate according to a specified rule set.

Etymology and usage notes: The word combines Regel (rule) with getreu (faithful, loyal). In common usage, regelgetreu refers to behavior or systems that consistently adhere to written regulations, standard operating procedures, or formal norms. It is related to, but not identical with, regelkonform, which emphasizes conformity to a standard rather than the claim of faithful rule application.

Contexts and examples: In law or governance, a regelgetreu procedure follows fixed rules without improvisation. In software and robotics, regelgetreue algorithms execute actions according to a defined rule set. In ethics and philosophy, rule-following (regelgetreue Handlung) is discussed as a form of agency where decisions are guided by rules rather than by outcomes or higher-order principles; debates address whether strict fidelity to rules can always yield desirable results. In quality management, regelgetreue processes help ensure consistency by adhering to documented procedures.

See also: rule-based systems, rule-following, conformity, compliance, regelkonform.