Sammelplatten

Sammelplatten is a German term that primarily denotes a compilation album in the music industry. A Sammelplatte (plural Sammelplatten) is an album that gathers tracks by multiple artists, rather than a single performer or band. Such releases are usually compiled by a record label, a curator, or a specific theme, and are often used to showcase a genre, a roster of artists, or a particular period.

In practice, Sammelplatten have appeared across formats, including vinyl LPs, cassettes, CDs, and digital editions. They typically feature a tracklist with credits for each song, information about the participating artists, and notes about the compilation’s concept or licensing. These releases can serve promotional purposes—helping audiences discover new artists—or function as thematic collections, best-of selections, or label showcases.

The design and content of a Sammelplatte vary widely. Some compilations focus on a single genre (for example, rock, electronic, or world music), while others group artists associated with a particular record label or region. The value of such releases often lies in the curated nature of the track selection and the context provided by liner notes and accompanying material.

Beyond music, the term Sammelplatten can also appear in other fields where a “collection plate” concept applies, though this usage is far less common in everyday language. In music, however, Sammelplatten remains a recognizable label for compilation albums.