Verlagsform

Verlagsform is a term used in German publishing and bibliographic practice to describe the form in which a work is issued by a publisher. It refers to the imprint and edition characteristics that identify how a publication is presented, including the imprint line, place of publication, publisher, year of publication, and details about the edition or format.

Typical elements associated with Verlagsform include the Verlagsort (city of publication), the Verlag (publisher), and the Erscheinungsjahr (year of publication). It may also include information about the edition (Auflage), series or volume, and the physical or format-related aspects such as binding and size. In modern contexts, Verlagsform can cover print forms like hardback (gebundene Ausgabe) and paperback (Taschenbuch) as well as digital formats such as eBooks or online editions.

In library catalogs and bibliographic standards, Verlagsform helps distinguish between different versions of a work, such as first and revised editions, reprints, or translations, and between various physical formats. It is concerned with how a work is published and presented rather than its content or authorship, serving as a key descriptor for precise identification and citation.

Because publishing practices evolve with technology, Verlagsform also encompasses digital publication forms and online access, alongside traditional print forms. For librarians, researchers, and publishers, accurately recording the Verlagsform is important for locating the correct edition and for citation accuracy. See also related terms such as Verlag, Verlagsort, Erscheinungsjahr, and Auflage.