Schrägstrich

Schrägstrich is the German name for the forward slash symbol (/) and denotes a diagonal line that leans to the right. It is distinct from the Rückwärtsschrägstrich, or backslash (\). In typography, computing, and everyday writing, the schrägstrich serves several functions.

Common uses include separating alternatives or elements, such as indicating choices (und/oder) or gender pairs (Kunde/Kundin). In mathematics and science, it marks division or fractions, as in a/b, and in units it often expresses “per” (km/h, mg/L). In computing and the internet, it functions as a path or delimiter: URLs use slashes (https://), and many programming languages employ it as a division operator or as a delimiter in regular expressions. In some languages, the double slash (//) begins a line comment.

Notation and typography: the symbol is Unicode U+002F SLASH. In running German text, the schrägstrich is typically used without spaces around it, though style guides may vary on spacing or alternatives for clarity. Its use to indicate inclusivity or gender forms has generated discussion in modern writing, with some guidelines recommending less frequent or alternative constructions to avoid ambiguity.

Variants and related signs: the backslash (Rückwärtsschrägstrich) differs in direction and use, especially as an escape character in programming and as a Windows path separator. The forward slash remains standard in Unix-like systems and in most general writing, where its roles span punctuation, notation, and digital syntax.