Terminologen

Terminologen, or terminologists, are language professionals who specialize in terminology—the study, development, and management of terms within a specific domain to ensure consistency, clarity, and reuse across documents and systems.

Typical tasks include terminology research, compiling term banks or glossaries, creating definitions and usage notes, organizing terms into controlled vocabularies and ontologies, and managing relationships between terms.

Terminologists work with subject matter experts to validate terms and meanings; they use terminology data in translations, technical writing, software localization, and information systems. They may model terms in taxonomies and ontologies.

Tools and standards: terminology management systems, computer-assisted translation tools, and standards for terminology work and data interchange (for example ISO standards related to terminology management). They may also contribute to language planning, lexicography, and knowledge organization.

Education and career: backgrounds in linguistics, lexicography, translation, or a related field; often require domain knowledge; employment in universities, public agencies, corporations, or localization firms; some work as independent consultants.

Terminology work is essential for accuracy in technical fields, regulatory compliance, and global communication, helping ensure that terms are used consistently across languages and contexts.