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Creating a List of Abbreviations

Faculties: AC, AMP, AR, BI, BW, D, EFI, IN, MB/VS, SOH, SW, VT, WT

All uncommon abbreviations must be written out fully the first time they appear in the text and, if applicable, be explained. If a paper contains many abbreviations, an abbreviation list is helpful as it shows the full forms.

Info: Here you will find an overview of the overall structure of a Social Science / Natural Science paper.

This list then contains all subject-specific abbreviations or those introduced in the context of the respective paper.

Common abbreviations listed in the dictionary (such as “e.g.”, “i.e.” or “etc.”) are not included.

The list of abbreviations is arranged alphabetically, regardless of the order of abbreviations in the text. It is titled “List of Abbreviations” or simply “Abbreviations” and does not receive a numbering in the table of contents.

Example for a list of abbreviations

The list of abbreviations is an optional part of a Social Science / Natural Science paper.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still have to explain abbreviations in the text if I have a list?

No, if you have a list, the abbreviations are explained there, so you do not need to explain them again in the text.

Which abbreviations should be included in my list?

You should include all subject-specific abbreviations. Common abbreviations listed in the dictionary (such as “e.g.”, “i.e.” or “etc.”) do not need to be included.

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Contributors: Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Wolfgang Wahl

This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in April 2025.

Faculties: AC, AMP, AR, BI, BW, D, EFI, IN, MB/VS, SOH, SW, VT, WT

Contributors: Autorengruppe Leitfaden efi, Carola Gröhlich, Susanne Heidenreich, Maria Noll, Erika von Rautenfeld, Schreibzentrum, Dzifa Vode, Dennis Christoph Wolff

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