Schaffung

Schaffung is a German noun meaning creation or the act of creating something. It is derived from the verb schaffen and denotes either the process of bringing something into existence or the result thereof. The term is widely used in formal, administrative, and economic contexts. Common collocations include Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen (creation of jobs), Schaffung eines Rechtsrahmens (establishment of a legal framework), and Schaffung neuer Institutionen (founding of new institutions).

In contrast to Schöpfung, which in theology or poetry refers to the creation of the world, Schaffung emphasizes deliberate human activity, institutions, or policies. While the two terms can overlap in everyday speech, Schöpfung often carries cosmic or sacred connotations; Schaffung is more practical and institutional in scope.

Etymologically, Schaffung comes from schaffen, meaning to create or accomplish, with the noun-forming suffix -ung. In usage, Schaffung is typically followed by a phrase indicating what is created, for example, “die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen” or “die Schaffung einer Regelung.” The word is common in public discourse, law, administration, economics, and organizational contexts, where it refers to purposeful creation or establishment. See also Schöpfung for related but distinct theological or poetic meanings.