The glossary

Planning terms are often deeply embedded in the administrative and planning culture of a specific country, making direct translation challenging.

This English-language glossary provides translations and explanations of key terms used in the German planning system, aiming to support international discourse and improve accessibility for non-German-speaking audiences. We strive for consistency in terminology across this platform and in ARL publications, which can be accessed here.

The definitions are based on the national glossary for Germany, developed as part of the BSR INTERREG III B project COMMIN.

Click here to perform a search based on the English term.

Hier können sie vom deutschen Begriff ausgehend suchen.

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D

DaseinsvorsorgeProvision of essential public services

The term "provision of essential public services" refers to governmental provision of essential social, cultural, and economic goods and services for the population. This includes public infrastructural facilities for the general public – traffic and transport facilities, gas, water and electricity supply, refuse collection, sewage disposal, educational and cultural institutions, hospitals, cemeteries, etc. Public service provision in this sense is among the most important functions local authorities perform on their own responsibility.