Knowledge · Specialised Translation Explained
What is Terminology?
Terminology is the organised body of specialist terms in a field, along with their designations. In specialised translations, systematic terminology work ensures that every term is named consistently and correctly across all documents and languages. This work is traceable, in line with standards and safe from liability.
Terminology is the organised body of specialist terms in a field, along with their designations. In specialised translations, it is the foundation that ensures every term is named consistently and correctly across all documents, versions and languages, in a traceable manner that is in line with standards and safe from liability.
There is more to terminology than just a vocabulary list. Terminology work involves organising terms systematically, establishing a preferred designation for each term and keeping it in a central database. This ensures that technical documentation uses the same unambiguous specialist terminology in every language and across product and system generations.
Concept, designation, object: The three levels
Terminology distinguishes three levels, as described in DIN 2330 and ISO 1087.
Object
The object is the real-world entity, such as a specific component, material or process. It exists independently of the language used to describe it.
Concept
A concept is a mental unit that represents an object, i.e. its meaning. Concepts can be organised, distinguished from one another and defined.
Designation
The designation is the linguistic sign that denotes a concept; the technical term. One concept can have several designations (synonyms), and one designation can denote several concepts (homonyms).
What's the difference between concept and designation?
In short: The concept is the meaning, the designation is the word for it. This distinction is crucial in technical translation.
An example from mechanical engineering: The concept of a torque-limiting clutch can be designated as slip clutch, overload clutch or safety clutch. All three refer to the same thing. However, an operating manual may only use one of these terms.
This is why terminology work establishes one preferred designation per concept and flags rejected ones. Without this, inconsistencies can arise that lead to misunderstandings and liability risks in safety- and maintenance-related texts.
How does terminology management work?
Terminology management is a defined process, not a one-off glossary.
Capture and define
Relevant concepts are extracted from specialist texts, defined and systematically structured in line with the principles of ISO standard 704 and DIN standard 2330.
Preferred and rejected designations
A preferred designation is established for each concept, and unwanted designations and synonyms are flagged so that they are not used by mistake.
Mehrsprachig anreichern
Designations are added for the target languages using translation-oriented terminography in accordance with ISO 12616-1 applies to ensure that every concept remains unambiguous in every language.
Termbase, TM and CAT
The terminology is stored centrally in a Terminology Database, linked to the translation memory and CAT tools. It is maintained in accordance with the four-eyes principle as defined in ISO 17100.
Where consistent terminology makes the difference:
Operating and maintenance manuals
Safety and warning notices
Technical data sheets and specifications
CE and conformity documentation
Software and HMI interfaces (UI strings)
Marketing and transcreation
Training and service materials
Patent specifications
Which standards apply?
Terminology work is well standardised. ISO 1087 provides the terminology studies vocabulary (concept, designation, object), and ISO 704 provides the principles and methods. For multilingual, translation-oriented terminography, ISO 12616-1 applies. In German-speaking countries, DIN 2330 (concepts and designations) and DIN 2342 (concepts of terminology theory) also apply.
ISO 17100 explicitly requires terminology management ISO 17100 within the translation process itself. COMLOGOS is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 17100 and ISO 18587, and also aligns its processes with ISO 27001 (information security).
Further information
Terminology Database
Your central termbase is maintained and connected to CAT tools, and is multilingual.
Go to the technology page →Technical Translation
Do you need consistent terminology in your technical documentation?
Go to the services page →What is technical translation?
Find out how terminology is embedded in technical translation.
Go to the knowledge page →Frequently asked questions on terminology
What is Terminology?
Terminology is the organised body of specialist terms in a field, along with their designations. In specialised translation, it ensures that every term is consistently and correctly named across all documents and languages.
What is the difference between terminology and a glossary?
A glossary is simply a list of terms with short explanations. In the technical sense, terminology additionally includes definitions, preferred and rejected designations, sources and multilingual equivalents, all of which are organised in accordance with standards such as ISO 1087 and DIN 2330.
What do 'concept' and 'designation' mean in the context of terminology?
A concept is the mental meaning and a designation is the linguistic word for it. One concept can have several designations (synonyms), and in specialised translation, a preferred designation is established for each concept.
What is a termbase?
is a structured termbase in which specialist terms, along with their definitions, preferred designations and multilingual equivalents, are stored and connected to computer-aided translation (CAT) tools.
Which standards govern terminology work?
Key standards include ISO 1087 (vocabulary), ISO 704 (principles and methods) and ISO 12616-1 applies (translation-oriented terminography), as well as DIN 2330 and DIN 2342. ISO 17100 requires terminology management within the translation process.
Why is terminology management important for technical translations?
It ensures that specialist terms are consistent and correct across all documents and languages. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings and liability, as well as improving translation quality and reducing costs.
From definition to maintained terminology:
Now that you know what terminology involves, would you like to keep your technical language consistent across all documents and languages? Talk to us about incorporating terminology work into your technical translations.
ISO 17100 · ISO 18587 · ISO 9001 · LICS · four-eyes principle · since 2007
