fachlich

Fachlich is a German adjective and adverb used to describe things related to a particular field of study, trade, or profession. It denotes content, criteria, or considerations that rely on specialized knowledge rather than general or personal aspects. In English, depending on context it can be translated as technical, subject-specific, or professional.

Origin and sense: the word derives from Fach (“subject, field, trade”) with the suffix -lich forming adjectives. As such, fachlich flags expertise-related dimensions: qualifications, judgments, requirements, and activities that presuppose domain knowledge. The term is common in education, assessment, human resources, and technical discourse.

Usage examples: common collocations include fachliche Kompetenz (professional competence), fachliche Anforderungen (technical requirements), fachliche Prüfung (professional/technical examination), and fachliche Einschätzung (informed assessment). Example sentences: “Der Bewerber erfüllt die fachliche Anforderung für die Stelle.” “Aus fachlicher Sicht muss der Plan angepasst werden.” In practice, fachlich is often contrasted with allgemein or persönlich aspects, emphasizing knowledge and method rather than character or generalities.

Translations and regional use: while commonly rendered as “technical” or “subject-specific” in English, the precise translation depends on context. The term is widely used across German-speaking regions, including Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland, particularly in professional, academic, and administrative language.