der Richtwert, -e
guideline value · guideline
Diese Zahl dient als Orientierung oder Empfehlung für eine bestimmte Menge oder Größe, ohne dass sie genau eingehalten werden muss.
Definition & meaning
Richtwert means a guideline value or reference value—a number that serves as an orientation for decisions, calculations, assessments, or planning. It is usually not strictly binding, but it indicates what is considered typical, reasonable, or expected.
Common uses:
- Technical/administrative contexts: a recommended value used for standards, limits, or planning.
- Everyday/business contexts: a rough target number for costs, time, or quantities.
Grammar & Word origin
- Gender: masculine — der Richtwert
- Plural: die Richtwerte
- Word parts:
- Richt- from richten (“to direct/align, to set/adjust”)
- Wert (“value”)
Together: a “value that points the direction” (i.e., an orienting value).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms (German)
- Orientierungswert
- Referenzwert
- Anhaltswert
- Leitwert
- Richtgröße (often used similarly in administrative/technical language)
Antonyms (German)
Clear direct antonyms are context-dependent, but possible opposites include:
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Examples
Wurden die neuen Richtwerte bereits offiziell festgelegt?noun
Have the new guideline values already been officially established?
Die Kosten lagen über dem empfohlenen Richtwert.noun
The costs were above the recommended guideline.
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