Sachinteresse

Sachinteresse is a term used in German-speaking social sciences and public discourse to denote an interest that stems from the substance or outcome of a decision, policy, or matter rather than from personal gain, party affiliation, or ideological conviction. The word is composed of Sache (matter/subject) and Interesse (interest), signaling an issue-related stake in the result.

Usage and contexts: In political science and public administration, Sachinteresse is used to describe the motive of actors who have a stake in the objective content of a policy, project, or regulatory decision. It is often contrasted with Parteiinteresse (party interest) or Persönliches Interesse (personal interest). For example, a regulatory agency may act with Sachinteresse in pursuing public safety and environmental protection, while a business association may advocate on industry-specific concerns as a form of Sachinteresse rather than loyalty to a party.

However, the boundaries are not always clear; actors may simultaneously hold Sachinteresse and other forms of interest. The concept helps analyze policy processes where decisions are influenced by competing motives that can be categorized by their relevance to the matter rather than to individuals.

In practice, identifying Sachinteresse requires examining motives linked to the substance of the issue—such as outcomes, efficiency, safety, or knowledge advancement—rather than purely personal or political benefits. The term appears in academic writing, public discourse, and sometimes legal contexts to describe an aligned or instrumentally driven motive in decision-making.