Schrittkanten

Schrittkanten is a German compound term literally meaning "step edges." It is used in construction, urban design and technical contexts to denote the visible or physical edge of a step or a sudden change in level. In building and stair design, Schrittkanten refers to the nosing of a stair tread—the part that projects beyond the riser—which affects safety, wear and the visual perception of each step. Properly designed Schrittkanten reduce slip risk, improve footing and can be finished with contrasting colors or tactile elements to assist people with reduced vision.

In public spaces, Schrittkanten are treated as an accessibility and safety feature: they may include slip-resistant materials, rounded or chamfered profiles to reduce trip hazard, and high-contrast markings that comply with local accessibility guidelines. Maintenance of Schrittkanten focuses on preserving slip resistance, visibility and structural integrity.

Outside architecture, the word is also applied more generally to abrupt transitions or edges in surfaces, signals and data. In image processing and signal analysis, step-like discontinuities—sometimes described using analogous language—are significant because they mark boundaries that edge-detection algorithms aim to identify.

Usage of the term varies by discipline and region; when applied to construction, practitioners commonly refer to specific building regulations and standards that govern dimensions, materials and visual contrast to ensure safety and accessibility.