Trefferpunkt

Trefferpunkt, commonly written as Trefferpunkte, is a health metric used in German-language tabletop and video games to quantify a character's vitality. It indicates how much damage a character can sustain before becoming incapacitated or dying. The term is the standard German translation of "hit point" or "health point" and is widely used in RPGs and other games.

Etymology and scope: The word combines Treffer (hit) and Punkt (point). In most systems, Trefferpunkte form a single pool that decreases with damage; some games use Lebenspunkte as a synonym or a separate health metric. The maximum Trefferpunkte indicate full health, and healing actions raise the current value up to that maximum.

Role in game design: In tabletop RPGs such as the German edition of Dungeons & Dragons, Trefferpunkte are tracked on character sheets and modified by bonuses, penalties, and temporary effects. In video games, HP is typically shown as a bar or numeric value and may regenerate over time or be restored by items, spells, or abilities.

Variants and mechanics: Some systems include temporary hit points or shields that absorb damage before it reduces regular Trefferpunkte. Others model injuries or armor that mitigate damage. Reaching zero Trefferpunkte usually results in defeat, death, or unconsciousness, depending on the rules.

See also Lebenspunkte, Gesundheitswert, Hit points. In German-language gaming literature, Trefferpunkte is the standard term for a character's health pool.