Taktzeichen

Taktzeichen, literally "meter sign" in German, is the musical notation symbol placed at the beginning of a staff to indicate the piece’s meter. It tells the performer how many beats occur in each measure and which note value receives one beat. In most scores it appears as a two-number sign, written as a fraction: the top number shows the number of beats per bar, and the bottom number indicates the note value that gets one beat. For example, 4/4 means four quarter-note beats per measure, and 3/4 means three quarter-note beats per measure.

Common examples include 4/4 (common time), 3/4 (a waltz feel), and 2/4 (march). Some meters are compound, where the beat is a larger note value subdividing into three equal parts. In 6/8, for instance, there are six eighth notes per measure, typically felt as two main beats per measure, each beat subdividing into three eighth notes. Other compound meters include 9/8 and 12/8.

Special symbols are also used. The symbol C represents common time (4/4). The cut time sign, often a C with a vertical line, represents 2/2, or two half-note beats per measure. Time signatures can sometimes change within a piece to reflect a change of meter, with a new taktzeichen appearing at the point of change.

Taktzeichen play a structural role in rhythm and phrasing and are distinct from tempo markings, which indicate speed. They are a fundamental element of Western notation and are used across classical, popular, and jazz scores.