kursorisch

Kursorisch is a German adjective and adverb describing actions or approaches that are quick and superficial rather than thorough or systematic. A kursorische Durchsicht, kursorisch gelesen or kursorisch analysiert signals that the subject was treated only briefly, skimming over details without in-depth examination. The term conveys a sense of moving over material rather than engaging with it in depth.

Etymology: The word derives from Kursor, the German term for cursor, invoking the image of a cursor moving rapidly across text. The suffix -isch forms the adjective, and the adverbial use follows the same form.

Usage: The expression is common in academic, journalistic, and analytical writing to indicate the scope or depth of treatment. It can be neutral when describing a preliminary or rapid survey, but more often carries a critical nuance, suggesting that important aspects may have been overlooked. Kursorisch differs from oberflächlich in that it emphasizes speed and partial coverage rather than mere carelessness.

Examples: "Die Literaturrecherche war kursorisch, man verfolgte nur die bekanntesten Arbeiten." "Der Bericht bietet eine kursorische Einordnung der Ergebnisse." "Ich habe den Artikel kursorisch gelesen, um einen ersten Eindruck zu bekommen."

Synonyms include flüchtig, oberflächlich, vorschnell; antonyms are gründlich, systematisch, tiefgehend, umfassend.

See also: systematische Forschung, Literaturrecherche, Analyse.