Umschlägen

Umschlägen is a German term referring to a protective covering that surrounds and protects contents. The word is used in several related senses, all centered on the idea of wrapping something.

One common meaning is the envelope used for mail. A briefumschlag is typically made of paper or light cardboard and is designed to contain letters or documents. They come in various sizes (for example DIN sizes such as C6, C5, or DL), and can be gummed or self-adhesive. Many envelopes include features like a window to reveal the address, or security elements to indicate tampering.

A second important sense concerns the outer cover of a book, magazine, or other media. In publishing, the term Umschlag often refers to the protective dust jacket, known in German as a Schutzumschlag, which protects the book block and also serves cosmetic and advertising purposes. The Umschlag can also denote the outer packaging used for presentation or sale of a product.

Other uses extend to generic packaging Wrappings or sleeves used to encase documents or items during transport or display. In any case, Umschläge are typically made from paper, cardboard or plastic and are designed to be opened and resealed or disposed of after use.

Etymology derives from umschlagen, meaning to wrap around or to fold around. The plural is Umschläge; the singular is Umschlag.

See also: Briefumschlag, Schutzumschlag, Umhüllung.