Seitenende

Seitenende is a German term used in typography, publishing, and layout to refer to the end or lower boundary of the text area on a page. It denotes the point where the main body of text ends, just above the bottom margin, and can be interpreted as the effective end of content on a given page.

In practice, Seitenende is considered when planning page composition. Designers and editors use the concept to ensure that text does not run too close to the bottom margin, to avoid awkward line breaks or orphaned words, and to maintain a balanced overall layout. It also helps determine the placement of elements that appear at the bottom of pages, such as footnotes, running headers, or page numbers, so that they do not encroach on the main text area.

Seitenende is distinct from related terms such as Kopfzeile (header), Fusszeile (footer), and Seitenzahl (page number). While the header and footer are UI areas that may appear above or below the main text, the Seitenende specifically concerns the vertical limit of the primary content block on a page. In digital typography and responsive design, the concept translates to the bottom edge of a content container or viewport, where layout rules ensure consistent margins and readability across devices.

Overall, Seitenende functions as a descriptive guide for maintaining readability and visual balance in both print and digital pages. It is most often discussed within editorial guidelines, typographic practices, and layout planning.