kompakt

Kompakt is a German adjective meaning compact, dense, or concise. It is used to describe objects that are small and efficiently designed, as well as formats or concepts that aim to be succinct. In everyday language, it appears in terms such as kompakte Lektüre (compact reading), kompaktklasse (compact class), and kompaktkamera (compact camera).

In addition to its linguistic use, Kompakt refers to a German electronic music label and collective based in Cologne. Established in the early 1990s by a group of musicians and producers, the label became a prominent outlet for minimal techno, microhouse, and related electronic styles. Kompakt developed a distinctive sound and released a broad catalog of singles, EPs, and albums, along with the long-running compilation series Kompakt Total.

The Kompakt imprint is noted for its cohesive aesthetic, both sonically and visually, and is recognized for shaping European club and listening cultures of the late 1990s and 2000s. It helped bring Cologne's electronic music scene to international audiences and influenced many producers beyond its roster. The label's work is associated with a restrained, melodic, and warm production approach that balances dancefloor dynamics with listening-friendly textures.

Outside of language and music, the term kompakt can appear in product branding to indicate compactness or efficiency, such as in electronics, packaging, and automotive contexts.