sachkundigen

Sachkundigen is a German term used to denote people who have specialized knowledge or competence in a particular subject. The word combines Sach- (matter, subject) with Kunde (knowledge), and the form Sachkundigen is a plural noun referring to multiple individuals who are considered knowledgeable or qualified in a given field. Grammatically, it is capitalized when used as a noun (die Sachkundigen) and can appear in phrases like eine Gruppe von Sachkundigen.

In usage, sachkundigen individuals are recognized for practical or theoretical expertise and may be relied upon to advise, assess, or decide within their area of competence. The term is common in educational, professional, and regulatory contexts, where groups of qualified people are required to ensure proper conduct, safety, or quality. For example, in education the related term Sachkundeunterricht refers to a school subject covering natural sciences, geography, and social studies; while in professional settings, sachkundige Personen or sachkundige Fachkräfte are those who must demonstrate verified knowledge to perform certain tasks, conduct inspections, or issue reports. The exact requirements for being considered sachkundig vary by country, industry, and regulation.

The concept is related to, but distinct from, other terms. Sachkundige contrasts with Sachverständige, who are typically formal expert witnesses or individuals whose Opinions are legally binding in specific cases. It also differs from Fachkunde, which denotes specialized knowledge or the body of knowledge in a field and may describe training or certification rather than a person. Overall, sachkundigen conveys recognized competence within a field, applied across diverse sectors in German-speaking contexts.