Weisungs

Weisungen (singular Weisung) broadly denotes a directive, instruction, or order issued by a person in authority to someone under their supervision. The term is used in law, public administration, business, and military contexts. Weisungen may specify how tasks should be performed, establish procedures, or set expectations for compliance. In administrative and civil-service practice, Weisungen translate supervisory intent into actionable steps for staff, within the bounds of applicable laws, contracts, and organizational rules. In the private sector, Weisungen accompany job duties and internal guidelines and can be binding if they fall within the legitimate scope of the supervisor.

Weisungen are distinct from Befehl, which connotes a direct, immediate order that must be obeyed without discussion, and from Richtlinie or Leitlinie, which are broader guidelines. Anweisung is another related term used for written instructions or directives. The legal concept “Weisungsrecht” describes the right of a supervisor to issue instructions to subordinates; this right is subject to statutory limits, the contract, and the principle of good faith. If a Weisung is unlawful or exceeds the supervisor’s remit, an employee may challenge it in the workplace or in court, depending on jurisdiction.

Etymology: Weisung derives from weisen “to indicate, to direct,” with the noun-forming suffix -ung.

See also: Anweisung, Befehl, Richtlinie, Dienstanweisung, Weisungsrecht.