Glossary

"The irradiation of a nuclide, which becomes radioactive as a result. This generally takes the form of neutron capture by a nucleus, which is thereby converted into a radioactive isotope."

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A measure of the decay of radionuclides. Units: becquerels (1 Bq = 1 decay per second).”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The rock directly surrounding the effective containment zone. Its properties are relevant for assessing the safety of a repository. The adjacent rock does not include the part above the effective containment zone, which is referred to as overburden according to section 2 no. 13 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG].”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Mine air is fresh air and exhaust or used air in underground mines, which are supplied from respectively discharged to the surface by mine ventilation.”

Source: BGE definition

Status: May 2023

“Equivalent dose, measured with the measured values in accordance with Appendix 18 Part A at a specific location.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 12 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“Ambient dose generated within a specific interval of time, divided by the length of the interval.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 13 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“A step in a preliminary safety analysis that is required pursuant to section 7 of the Repository Safety Investigation Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiUntV]. The analysis of a repository system includes a consideration of expected and deviating evolutions, makes use of numerical simulations, and provides an essential basis for evaluating the safety of the repository system.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition), see also section 7 EndlSiUntV

Status: May 2023

“Until the time of the concrete spatial determination of the effective containment zone within an investigation area […] the area of host rock that may incorporate the effective containment zone is described as an area of host rock with a barrier function. A effective containment zone can theoretically be located anywhere within an area of host rock with a barrier function. At the start of the [representative preliminary safety analyses (repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –)] rvSU, the spatial extent of the area of host rock with a barrier function corresponds to the repositoryrelevant host rock sequences or formations that were designated as part of work in relation to section 13 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG] (BGE 2020/7). Within the framework of the representative preliminary safety analyses, the area of host rock with a barrier function may be gradually reduced in size relative to its original extent during the course of spatially differentiated evaluations.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 50) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“‘A […] spatial area around a sub-area’ that can be used to assist the processing of representative preliminary safety analyses.”

Source: Adapted and translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In accordance with section 2 no. 6 of the Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], this term refers to ‘all spatial areas in Germany that are to be evaluated in terms of their suitability as a repository site. An area includes the surface areas and the underlying underground rock formations.’ An area therefore corresponds to an undefined spatial area and can include an investigation area [Untersuchungsraum – UR], an area of a specific category (e.g. a category A area defined by the representative preliminary safety analyses [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchung –] (rvSU)), or a part of one of these spatial areas, depending on the context.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 6 StandAG and German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“Sub-areas selected by the BGE in order to develop methods for implementing the representative preliminary safety analyses. These sub-areas constitute ‘a selection of examples of the respective host rocks or host rock types that are as representative and, at the same time, as heterogeneous as possible’ and ‘have the function of ensuring the necessary relation to the real situation (data, geology, etc.) required for the methodological development. This applies to the handling of both large sub-areas [...] as well as of a heterogeneous Germany-wide set of underlying data.’”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 240) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In the representative preliminary safety analyses [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] (rvSU), the investigated and evaluated areas are gradually assigned to categories D to A using criteria-based assessment steps, with areas of category D being unsuitable as a final repository site and areas of category A being the most suited.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/1) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“The period for which the long-term safety of the repository is to be tested and demonstrated”. (section 2 no. 3 EndlSiAnfV) “The assessment period is 1 million years from the intended closure of the repository.” (section 3 para. 1 EndlSiAnfV)

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 3 and section 3 para. 1 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“Backfill refers to materials used in the repository mine to backfill the cavities produced by excavation. As a result, backfill materials contribute significantly to the long-term safety of the repository mine — for example, by reducing the cavity volume or by retaining radionuclides. Backfill materials are chosen based on the necessary functions and their physico-chemical properties.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Barriers serve the safe containment of radioactive waste. In principle, a distinction is made between geological, geotechnical, and technical barriers. According to sections 2 no. 7 and 8 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], the geological or geotechnical and technical barriers consist of geological or technically produced units ‘that inhibit or prevent the migration of radionuclides.’ Furthermore, in accordance with sections 2 no. 1 and 2 of the Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsanforderungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV], a distinction is made between essential barriers ‘on which the safe containment of the radioactive waste is based’ and further barriers ‘that, in addition to and in combination with the essential barriers, inhibit or prevent the migration of radionuclides.’”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The best possible estimation for a value/condition. The best estimate is based on all available data and therefore corresponds to the most realistic estimate.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 240) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“An event beyond design basis is an event or accident that is more severe than that which was taken into account in the design of the nuclear facility. Nevertheless, the plant must be able to respond to such events with sufficient safety measures in order to limit the effects of the event beyond design basis and thus minimize the risk to people and the environment.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A type of light water reactor with steam generation in the primary loop.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A measure of the thermal energy released by nuclear fission in nuclear fuel, expressed per unit mass of heavy metal in the nuclear fuel. Units: e.g., ‘gigawatt-days per metric ton of heavy metal’ [GWd/tHM].”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from Murawski & Meyer (2010, p. 74)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from Hoth et al. (2007)

Source: Translated from Hoth et al. (2007)

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition), see also section 31 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

Source: Adapted and translated from Hölting & Coldewey (2013, p. 24)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“Time during which the heat output and activity decrease (‘decay’) after fuel elements are unloaded from the reactor.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Deviating evolutions are evolutions that are not to be expected but that could occur with regard to the geological and climatic situation, the technical and geotechnical barriers, and the waste that is to be emplaced.”

Source: Translated from section 3 para. 4 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“The emplacement of radioactive waste in a federal facility pursu- ant to section 9a para. 3 clause 1 of the Atomic Energy Act [Atomgesetz – AtG] (repository) with no intention of retrieval.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 1 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The disposal containers with radioactive waste intended for disposal.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 4 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“Written material that is created, edited, or handled in the course of the Site Selection Procedure and serves as traceable documentation. Documents can be distinguished into ‘internally created’ and ‘externally created’ documents.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/8, p. 9) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“An effective dose or equivalent dose that serves as the upper limit for the exposure to be considered in the planning and optimisation of protection measures for persons in planned exposure situations.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 5 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“The part of a rock formation that, in repository systems that essentially rely on geological barriers, ensures safe containment of radioactive waste in a repository in conjunction with the technical and geotechnical barriers.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 9 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The spatial area of a rock formation in which the radioactive waste is to be emplaced. If the containment capacity of the repository system is essentially based on technical and geotechnical barriers, this also includes the area of rock that ensures the functionality and preservation of such barriers.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 10 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“1) The process of increasing the proportion of specific nuclides in a nuclide mixture or element above the natural concentration. 2) A measure (in percentage by weight or as mole fraction) of the concentration of a specific nuclide in a nuclide mixture or element (e.g., ‘4 wt.% U-235’).”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The enveloping surface is a model surface from geological 3D models that maps or envelops a geological body (e.g. salt diapir).”

Source: Translated from BGE (2020/10, p. 67) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“An environmental impact assessment in Germany [Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung – UVP] determines and describes in a report what impact a project will have on humans (including human health), on animals, plants, biodiversity, soil, water, ambient air, the climate, the landscape and cultural goods. The public and specialist authorities, as well as citizens and authorities in neighbouring countries that may be affected, may express comments and opinions on the report. The authority responsible for approving a project is tasked with evaluating the information and comments and with taking account of the results of the UVP when deciding whether to approve a project. Regulations governing the UVP are set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment Act [Gesetz über die Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung – UVPG].”

Source: Adapted and translated from BMUB (2017) (website)

Status: May 2023

“Direct and indirect impacts of a project or the implementation of a plan or program on protected assets. This also includes such impacts of the project that are to be expected due to its susceptibility to major accidents or disasters, insofar as these major accidents or disasters are relevant to the project.”

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 2 UVPG

Status: May 2023

“Equivalent dose: product of absorbed dose detected in the soft tissues as specified by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) and ICRU quality factor Q in accordance with Annex 18 Part D, which allows for the influences exerted by the type and energy of radiation. If several radiation types and energies are present, the total equivalent dose shall be the sum of their calculated individual contributions.”

Source: Translated from section 1, para. 2StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“Widely used term for all processes in which soil material and […] [rocks] are removed by rivers, glaciers, wave action, or wind.”

Source: Adapted and translated from Grotzinger & Jordan (2017, p. 723)

Status: May 2023

“The barriers on which the safe containment of radioactive waste is based.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 1 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“The site-specific evaluation criteria that are to be established and applied in accordance with sections 16 para. 2, 17 para. 4, and 18 para. 2 for the purpose of evaluating the results of the underground exploration.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 14 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The evaluation of areas in the representative preliminary safety analyses [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] (rvSU) takes place in four consecutive evaluation steps, in which areas are successively assigned to Categories D to A.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/1) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“The evolutions of the repository system describe various [(expected, deviant, or hypothetical)] scenarios for the future of the repository system […]. They are derived in a systematic manner and provide the basis for evaluating long-term safety.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 459) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Evolutions based on future human activities are evolutions that may be triggered by future human activities — in particular, by unintended human intrusion into the repository — and that may become relevant to the safety of the repository system. Reference evolutions are evolutions that may be triggered by human activities that are common at the present time.”

Source: Translated from section 3 para. 7 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“Exhaust air is the vent air released to the outer atmosphere.”

Source: KTA 3601, p. 6

Status: May 2023

“Expected evolutions are evolutions that are certain to or that generally occur, especially with regard to the geological and climatic situation, the geological, technical and geotechnical barriers, and the waste that is to be emplaced.”

Source: Translated from section 3 para. 3EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“A small nuclear reactor for testing a reactor type, e.g., the Kahl experimental power plant.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“‘The surface and underground exploration of the subsurface with regard to its suitability for the establishment of a repository for high-level radioactive waste.’ Exploration is typically carried out using geophysical (e.g. seismic) and hydrogeological methods, boreholes, or mines.”

Source: Adapted and translated from section 2 no. 2 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The entirety of the intended measures pursuant to sections 15 para. 4 and 17 para. 4 for surface and subsurface exploration. These measures serve to obtain the site-specific geoscientific data that is needed for renewed application of the geoscientific requirements and criteria as well as for carrying out preliminary safety analyses.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 17 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“Borehole for the exploration of the subsurface within the framework of surface or subsurface exploration in phases II and III of the Site Selection Procedure.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A features, events, and processes (FEP) catalogue is a systematic, structured description of a repository system and the influences and dependencies between processes and components that exist within it.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 456) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Consideration of the reduced fissile material concentration and the formation of neutron-absorbing activation and fission product nuclides during the burn-up of the fuel elements in the verification process.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

“A genetically related assemblage of rocks that was deposited as a closed unit in the form of matching, horizontal layers and that share certain genetic lithological features and are sufficiently thick to be represented on a map.”

Source: Adapted and translated from Grotzinger & Jordan (2017, p. 725)

Status: May 2023

“The formation permeability is the ‘[hydraulic] permeability of a body of rock (formation) with all of its inhomogeneities.’ The formation permeability results from the ‘rock (or pore) permeability and the fissure (or interface) permeability.’ Formation permeability refers to a larger area, as opposed to rock permeability, which refers to a smaller-scale sample of rock.”

Source: Adapted and translated from Hölting & Coldewey (2013, p. 26, p. 32)

Status: May 2023

“An essential component of a nuclear reactor. It is assembled of several fuel rods which contain the nuclear fuel, and of structural components.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A fuel rod is a tightly sealed metal tube containing nuclear fuel in the form of pellets. Multiple fuel rods are bundled together to create a fuel element, which is used in a nuclear reactor.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Detailed explanation of basic principles/approaches/methods/concepts that can be used to develop a result or that themselves represent a result.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

“Fundamental input for other reports that are not published independently, e.g. geological models, data sets, codes, digital maps,
databases or individual chapters.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

“The barriers that, in addition to the essential barriers and in interaction with them, prevent or hinder the migration of radionuclides.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 2 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“Geodata are data with a spatial reference. They are computerreadable informations on topography, conditions, and objects with a spatial reference to the surface. Geodata consist of geometrical and associated technical data. They represent the basis for creating maps and plans” (GDI-NI 2011). Geological data within the meaning of the Geological Data Act [Geologiedatengesetz – GeolDG] “are substantiating, technical, and evaluation data obtained in geological investigations.”

Source: Translated from GDI-NI (2011, p. 2), and section 3 para. 3 GeolDG

Status: May 2023

“Geogenic processes are those that would take place at a potential site even in the absence of a repository and that are caused by the geological setting (e.g., erosion, volcanic activity, or sea level changes). They are distinguished from technogenic processes, which are caused by various structural components of the repository or the radioactive waste or take place specifically inside them.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/1, p. 35) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“Geological units that inhibit or prevent the migration of radionuclides.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 7 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“[Predicted] evolutions of a site based on geogenic processes without considering the influence of a repository.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Geosynthesis includes the documentation and interpretation of all [relevant] geoscientific information of an investigation area. The aim of geosynthesis is to achieve a consistent representation, especially of the geoscientific conditions that are relevant to repository safety.”

Source: Translated from section 5 para. 2 EndlSiUntV

Status: May 2023

“A group of measures describes an essential protection mechanism intended to ensure the minimization of damage to the essential barriers. The groups of measures includes measures that are intended to minimize damage to the essential barriers based on these safety objectives.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“For a radionuclide, the time required for the activity to decrease, by a radioactive decay process, by half.”

Source: IAEA (2022)

Status: May 2023

“Succession of events in the case of the occurrence of which the operation of the nuclear installation, of the installation for the generation of ionising radiation, or the practice, may not be continued for safety reasons and for which the nuclear installation or the installation for the generation of ionising radiation is to be designed, or for which protection arrangements are to be provided in the practice as a precaution.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 18 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“Heat-generating radioactive waste covers both high-level and some intermediate-level waste. This particularly includes vitrified waste from reprocessing spent fuel elements and the fuel elements themselves. This category of waste has both a high concentration of activity and emits high temperatures.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“In terms of the mass specification for nuclear fuels (e.g. unit 'ton of heavy metal'), the total mass of uranium, plutonium and thorium isotopes contained in the fuel prior to reactor use.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48)

Status: May 2023

“High-level radioactive waste mainly comes from spent fuel elements, which were used in nuclear power stations or in research reactors. Spent fuel elements emit much more radiation than unused ones because of the fission products that they contain.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“A horizontal cross section depicts the geological conditions at a specific depth below the surface.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2020/10, p. 66) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Rock type that, in Germany, in accordance with section 1 para. 3 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], ‘is fundamentally eligible […] for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste.’ These are the host rocks ’rock salt, clay-stone, and crystalline rock.’”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 3 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“Different host rock types exist when a host rock has two or more different characteristics, e.g. in terms of its deposition, which leads to consequences with regard to its handling within the site search. Two different host rock types are therefore defined for rock salt based on section 1 para. 3 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], which states that the host rocks that are fundamentally eligible for the final disposal of heat- generating radioactive waste in Germany are rock salt, claystone, and crystalline rock, and based on the fact that two deposition types exist for rock salt. Specifically, the two host rock types are ‘rock salt in a steep deposit’ and ‘rock salt in a stratiform deposit’, commonly referred to as domal and bedded rock salt, respec- tively.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“A hot cell is a ‘space enclosed and shielded on all sides in which high-activity radioactive substances are handled by remote control or automatically.’”

Source: Translated from DIN 25460:2023-03

Status: November 2023

“A hot workshop is a workshop specified to be used for working on radioactive parts that possess a license pursuant to section 12 of the Radiation Protection Act [Strahlenschutzgesetz – StrlSchG] for their handling and treatment.”

Source: KTA 3601, p. 5

“Hypothetical evolutions are evolutions that can be ruled out, as far as humanly possible to tell, even under unfavorable assumptions.”

Source: Translated from section 3 para. 6 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“Hazards from air pollution, pollutants, noise, radiation or the like on people, animals and vegetation.”

Source: Translated from BASE (2025a)

“An impact event is a collision between two celestial bodies at very high speed, resulting in the formation of an impact crater on mainland. Numerous impacts of meteoroids, asteroids, and comets have been identified on Earth as well as on the Moon and other celestial bodies.”

Source: Translated from Stöffler & Grieve (2007, p. 82)

Status: May 2023

“An event in a planned exposure situation that led to, could have led to or could lead to an unanticipated exposure, including the occurrence of a hazardous incident or emergency. No incident shall be deemed to have occurred if the event is not relevant in terms of radiation protection.”

Source: Section 1 para. 22 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“According to section 2 no. 5 of the Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV], ‘the preservation of the properties of the barriers of the repository system that are relevant for the safe containment of radioactive waste’. Integrity is therefore a prerequisite for long-term safety.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 5 EndlSiAnfV (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“Temporally limited storage of spent fuel elements or radioactive waste prior to their disposal. Spent fuel elements are to be stored in decentralised interim storage facilities on the sites of the nuclear power plants, in fact until they have been conditioned suitably for disposal in a repository.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“Facilities where spent fuel elements can be stored in appropriate transport and storage containers on the site of a nuclear power plant until their conditioning suitable for disposal in a repository. Storage time is planned to be 40 years at maximum, starting at loading of the first container.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“According to section 3 para. 1 of the Repository Safety Investigation Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiUntV], investigation areas are those ‘spatial areas that are intended for evaluation as a possible final repository site’. The investigation areas are to be identified in the representative preliminary safety investigations [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] (rvSU) based on the identified sub-areas. In the rvSU, one investigation area corresponds to one sub-area.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/1, p. 32), section 3 para. 1 EndlSiUntV

Status: November 2023

“An investigation sub-area is a defined area that spatially covers a part of an investigation area. Investigation areas can be subdivided into investigation sub-areas as part of a representative preliminary safety analysis. This allows individual process steps and evaluations carried out as part of a representative preliminary safety analysis to be represented on a small scale at the level of investigation sub-areas.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In the underground context, karst refers to cavities in soluble rocks (especially limestone, but also other carbonates and sulfates) on a scale ranging up to the size of large caves.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Equipment for lifting and moving loads.”

Source: Translated from wortbedeutung.info (2023)

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear reactor using light water (H2O) as a coolant and moderator.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Lithology ‘describes and distinguishes between rocks according to mesoscopic characteristics […]. Today, the mineral composition and texture of a rock is often referred to as its lithology.’”

Source: Translated from Martin & Eiblmaier (2001a, p. 280)

Status: May 2023

“The creation of a connection between a load and a lifting attachment at specified load attachment points.”

Source: Translated from Pehani & Viertbauer (2018, p. 7)

Status: May 2023

“The lasting protection of humans and, as far as the long-term protection of human health is concerned, the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation from radioactive waste.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 6 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“The Manual on Reactor Safety and Radiation Protection [Handbuch Reaktorsicherheit und Strahlenschutz – RS Manual] contains all statutory and non-statutory regulations that are valid in Germany for the areas: nuclear safety, disposal, transporting radioactive substances and protection from ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. You can also find international regulations and other facts and information about nuclear technology and radiation protection in the manual.”

Source: Translated from BASE (2023)

Status: May 2023

“A type of high-flux research reactor with applications in materials research, e.g., BER II [Berliner Experimentier-Reaktor II – Berlin Experimental Reactor II; a research reactor at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin].”
See “Research reactor”.

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Mine ventilation is the planned supply of fresh air to an underground mine.”

Source: BGE definition

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear fuel consisting of mixed uranium-plutonium oxide from reprocessing.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A model calculation with specific parameterization as part of a modeling case.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The translation of a development into a numerically calculable model.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In a nuclear reactor, a moderator serves to slow free neutrons produced in the reactor core during the fission process. Similar to billiard balls, neutrons collide with the nuclei of the moderator and thus give off part of their kinetic energy. Since the largest energy transfers occur in the elastic collisions of two equally heavy particles, light atoms such as hydrogen (in the form of water or polyethylene) and carbon (in the form of graphite) are mostly used as moderator. The slowed neutrons are better suitable for both continuing the fission in the reactor core and carrying out scientific experiments in a research reactor.”

Source: BfS (o. J.b)

Status: May 2023

“Reduction of the area and the number of areas: The narrowing down of areas refers not only to reducing the size of an area but also to reducing the number of remaining areas.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2023/3, p. 8) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“This factor indicates the neutron balance. It is the ratio of the number of neutrons released in nuclear reactions to the sum of neutrons absorbed in the system and neutrons leaving the system.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Nuclear fuels are special fissionable materials in the form of
1. Plutonium 239 and plutonium 241,
2. uranium enriched in isotopes 235 or 233,
3. any material containing one or more of the substances cited under nos. 1 and 2,
4. substances which permit a self-sustaining chain reaction to be maintained in a suitable installation and which are defined in a statutory ordinance.
The term ‘uranium enriched in isotopes 235 or 233’ means uranium containing the isotopes 235 or 233 or both in such quantities that the sum total of the amounts of these two isotopes is greater than the amount of isotope 238 multiplied by the naturally occurring ratio of isotope 235 in relation to isotope 238.”
See “Enrichment”.

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 1 AtG

Status: May 2023

“Nuclear installations are
a) stationary installations for the production or for the treatment or processing or for the fission of nuclear fuels or for the reprocessing of irradiated nuclear fuels according to section 7 para. 1,
b) storage of irradiated nuclear fuels according to section 6 para. 1 or 3,
c) interim storage facilities for radioactive waste, if the interim storage facilities are directly connected to the particular nuclear installation pursuant to character a or b and are located at the site of the installations.”

Source: Adapted and translated from section 2 para. 3a no. 1 AtG

Status: May 2023

“Nuclear material accountancy and control encompasses measures (e.g. safeguards) to protect against the risks that can arise from nuclear fuels if they fall into the wrong hands. Those measures are used to document and monitor the whereabouts of fissile material.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The achievement and maintaining of normal operating conditions, the prevention of accidents and the attenuation of results of an accident, so that life, health and real assets are protected against the hazards of nuclear energy and the harmful effects of ionising radiation.”

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 3a no. 2 AtG

Status: May 2023

“The Nuclear Safety Standards Commission [Kerntechnischer Ausschuss – KTA] has the task [of issuing] nuclear safety standards for these topics in the area of nuclear technology where a consensus between experts of manufacturers and operators of nuclear power plants, of authorized experts [and of] state officials is apparent, and [of supporting] their application.”

Source: Adapted from KTA (2024)

Status: May 2023

“Implementation of safety requirements whose fulfillment ensures adoption of the necessary precautions, according to the state of the art of science and technology, against harm resulting from the construction and operation of a nuclear facility (section 7 para. 2 no. 3 of the Atomic Energy Act [Atomgesetz – AtG]) in order to meet the safety objectives set out in AtG and in the Radiation Protection Ordinance [Strahlenschutzverordnung – StrlSchV].”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“A type of an atom that is uniquely identifiable by its atomic number (element), mass number, and energy state.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A presentation of all nuclides in a nuclide mixture (material) in the form of a list of nuclides and their respective masses, activities, quantities, or concentrations.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The operational phase begins with the trial operation and ends with the completion of radioactive waste emplacement in the repository.”

Source: Translated form German BGE glossary (BGE definition), see also sections 17 and 19 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“An iterative process for improving the safety concept and technical design according to section 12 of the Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsanforderungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV] in order to optimize the long-term safety and operating safety of the repository. ‘Optimization is complete when a further improvement of safety can only be achieved with a disproportionately large amount of effort’ (section 12 para. 2 EndlSiAnfV).”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition) according to section 12 para. 1 EndlSiAnfV as well as from quote of section 12 para. 2

Status: May 2023

“The section of rock above the effective containment zone and, in repository systems based on technical and geotechnical barriers, above the emplacement area.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 13 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The overlying salt is an area within a salt diapir between the salt table and an examination area.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2020/10, p. 65) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The section of rock lying above the host rock.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2020/87, p. 4) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“All of the non-reusable receptacles and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacles enclosing a waste product and performing containment and other safety functions.”

Source: Translated from BASE (2025a) and combined with definition from IAEA (2022)

Status: May 2023

“Equivalent dose measured with the measured values stated in Annex 18 Part A on a part of the body surface that is representative of the exposure.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 14 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“Petrography is a ‘branch of the geosciences dealing with the natural occurrence, description, and systematic classification of rocks.’ ‘Petrography is therefore a sub-area of petrology and examines the geological relationships between rock formations at the site, their mineralogical and chemical composition, and their structure.’”

Source: Translated from Martin & Eiblmaier (2001b, p. 114)

Status: May 2023

“The plan approval decision is an administrative act that determines the permissibility of a project, including all other necessary licenses, permits, etc.”

Source: Translated from BASE (2025a)

Status: May 2023

“The plan approval procedure is a special administrative procedure for determining the predominant public interest in an area and therefore the permissibility of a project that is relevant to regional planning. The procedure concludes with an administrative act and is regulated in Part V(2) of the Administrative Procedures Act [Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz – VwVfG].”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear reactor for energy production at a nuclear power plant.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The analyses that are to be carried out based on section 27 and an ordinance pursuant to section 27 para. 6 and that are to be drawn up in the procedural steps pursuant to section 14 para. 1 based on the collected data that is available to the federal and state authorities, pursuant to section 16 para. 1 based on the results of surface exploration, and pursuant to section 18 para. 1 based on the results of underground exploration as well as on the basis of the specific repository concept that corresponds to the individual stage of the procedure.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 16 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear reactor that uses water as a coolant and moderator and in which the water does not boil even at high temperatures due to the high operating pressure in the primary loop. Steam is generated in the secondary loop.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Impact-specific measures that are to be specified during the [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] rvSU [(representative preliminary safety analyses)] as part of the […] description of the fundamental possibility of safe operation of the repository and that are intended to maintain the system status of ‘specified normal operation’.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Processing of geophysical (especially reflection seismic) data in order to produce interpretable data from data measured in the field.”

Source: Upadhyay (2004, p. 7f)

Stand: May 2023

“Proof of compliance with the final storage conditions for waste packages.”

Source: BGE definition

Status: May 2023

“Current status of work that is being carried out as part of the Site Selection Procedure, e.g. modeling, calculation, simulation, documentation, planning, data retrieval, concept, methodological development, or exploration.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/8, p. 8) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Protected assets […] are
1. humans, and especially human health,
2. animals, plants, and biodiversity,
3. land, soil, water, air, climate, and landscape,
4. cultural heritage and other material assets as well as
5. interactions between the aforementioned protected assets.”

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 1 UVPG

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear reactor for the scale demonstration of the function and performance of a reactor type for industrial applications, e.g., THTR-300 [Thorium-Hochtemperaturreaktor – Thorium High-Temperature Reactor; a prototype pebble-bed reactor power plant in Hamm-Uentrop]. Also ‘demonstration reactor.’”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A proxy variable (from Latin proximus, ‘the next’), or a ‘proxy’ for short, is a quantitative substitute variable that can, by means of a transfer function, provide information about another quantitative variable. This cannot usually be measured objectively, […] [reliably,] and/or with a reasonable amount of effort.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A check of the quality of test objects according to audit objectives and on the basis of quality evaluation criteria.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Point in the course of a process at which predefined approval criteria are used to decide on the release of the next project step.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Criterion used for an approval decision of a quality gate.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

“At a radiation protection laboratory, samples are prepared and evaluated using various measurement procedures.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Unintended or undesired presence of substances containing one or more radionuclides.”

Source: Translated from Section 5 para. 21 StrlSchG

Status: May 2023

“Radioactive materials (nuclear fuel and other radioactive substances) are all materials containing one or more radionuclides and whose activity or specific activity [...] cannot be disregarded [...].”

Source: Adapted and translated from section 2 para. 1 AtG

Status: May 2023

“Radioactive substances in the sense of section 2 para. 1 of the Atomic Energy Act [Atomgesetz – AtG], which have to be properly disposed of according to section 9a AtG.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“The property of a nuclide to convert into another nuclide or to change its state spontaneously or when induced, emitting energy in the process.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“An unstable nuclide that transforms into another nuclide through radioactive decay.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The radionuclides and corresponding activities that are contained in a specific system, e.g. a waste package (a unit consisting of a waste product and waste container for final disposal) or in an emplacement chamber.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The unplanned retrieval of radioactive waste from a repository.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 4 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“Escape of radioactive substances from the planned enclosures into the facility or the environment.”

Source: BASE (2025b)

Status: May 2023

“The relevance aspects of the consideration criteria set out in section 7 para. 4 no. 1 to 3 of the Repository Safety Investigation Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiUntV] (relevance to safety, current knowledge, potential for gaining knowledge).”

Source: BGE definition according to section 7 para. 4 no. 1 to 3 EndlSiUntV

Status: November 2023

“The suitability of a [representative preliminary safety analyses (repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –)] rvSU-criterion for spatially narrowing down areas is classified based on the general and local-specific relevance of criteria to repository safety. General relevance indicates whether a criterion is generally suitable for distinguishing between areas of the same host rock type from a safety perspective. Local-specific relevance indicates whether a criterion is suitable for spatially narrowing down a specific area.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2023/3, p. 8) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Of the possible pathways of radioactive substances from discharge from a plant or facility via a dispersion or transport process to human radiation exposure, those that, according to current knowledge, can contribute significantly to human radiation exposure either by incorporation (via food chains), by inhalation or by external irradiation are considered relevant.”

Source: Translated from BfS o. J.a

Status: May 2023

“Site for the safe and maintenance-free storage for an unlimited period of time of hazardous materials in deep geological formations.”

Source: BfS (o. J.b)

Status: May 2023

“The area of rock in which a repository system is implemented or is to be implemented.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 12 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The repository mine is the geological disposal facility used to receive radioactive waste materials and emplace them in the host rock. It can be subdivided into multiple areas and components, including, in particular, the surface access points, the infrastructure areas, and the emplacement areas.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A repository system effects a safe containment of radioactive waste through the combined action of various components and includes the repository mine, the essential and further barriers, and the geological strata surrounding or overlying the repository mine and the barriers up to the surface, insofar as they contribute to the safety of the repository (see section 2 no. 11 StandAG). In repository system type 1, the effective containment zone [einschlusswirksamer Gebirgsbereich – ewG] forms the essential barrier; in repository system type 2, the essential barriers consist of technical and geotechnical components (BGE 2022/1, p. 27ff).”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition) according to section 2 no. 11 StandAG as well as translated from BGE (2022/1, p. 27ff)

Status: November 2023

“Document that can serve during the planning, exploration, construction/conversion, and operation, including decommissioning, of federal facilities for the final disposal of radioactive waste as proof, evidence, or confirmation.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/8, p. 9) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In accordance with section 27 para. 1 of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], the key objective of the representative preliminary safety analyses [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] (rvSU) is to assess the extent to which the safe containment of radioactive waste can be expected using the geological conditions at the site. The contents of the rvSU are specified in Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsanforderungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV] and the Repository Safety Investigation Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiUntV]. ‘In further work in accordance with section 14 StandAG, the results of the rvSU form the basis for the development of site-specific exploration programs, the application of the geoscientific weighing criteria, and therefore the identification of favorable siting regions.’”

Source: Translated from BGE definition according to section 27 para. 1 StandAG as well as translated from BGE (2022/1, p. 11)

Status: November 2023

“Process for the chemical separation of irradiated nuclear fuel with the objective to separate high-level radioactive waste materials and to recover uranium and plutonium for the production of MOX [mixed oxide] fuel elements.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A nuclear reactor for supplying neutrons or isotopes for research and medical and/or industrial applications, e.g., FRM II [Forschungsreaktor München II – Research Reactor Munich II; a research reactor at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) in Garching, near Munich].”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 47) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Factual, concise, precise presentation of research results. Reports concentrate on the results achieved and only briefly present the methodological approach. The course of the research is not discussed.”

Source: Translated from Meyer (2009)

Status: May 2023

“The planned technical possibility of removing emplaced containers of radioactive waste during the operational phase.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 3 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The possibility of reversing in the ongoing Site Selection Procedure to allow for correction of errors.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 5 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The insensitivity of safety features of the repository system and its barriers to internal and external influences and disruptions.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 9 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“A simplified but technically comprehensible and realistic estimate that is required either to simplify complex relationships or due to a lack of specific input variables.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“The criteria derived from the requirements of the Repository Site Selection Act [Standortauswahlgesetz – StandAG], Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsanforderungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV], and Repository Safety Investigation Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsuntersuchungsverordnung – EndlSiUntV], which are used to evaluate other areas and ultimately to spatially narrow them down in the representative preliminary safety analyses [repräsentative vorläufige Sicherheitsuntersuchungen –] (rvSU). All rvSU criteria used in the rvSU are summarized in host rock-specific criteria catalogs.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2023/3, p. 11) (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“This is defined by section 4 of the Repository Safety Requirements Ordinance [Endlagersicherheitsanforderungsverordnung – EndlSiAnfV] such ‘that, as far as possible, the radionuclides from the radioactive waste remain [within the essential barriers] at the location of their original emplacement.’”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)
according to section 4 para. 4 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

See “Nuclear material accountancy and control”.

Status: May 2023

“A collection of arguments and evidence in support of the safety of a facility or activity.”

Source: IAEA (2022)

Status: November 2023

“A safety concept must describe how the aim of concentration and safe confinement of the radioactive wastes pursuant to section 4 para. 1 is to be achieved. In this context, the entire repository system during construction, operation and decommissioning as well as during the assessment period shall be taken into account.”

Source: Translated from section 10 para. 1 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“A feature of a component of the repository system or a process taking place within the repository system that fulfills the safety-relevant requirements for a safety-related system or subsystem or for an individual component.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 8 EndlSiAnfV

Status: May 2023

“The provisions that are to be adopted in the form of an ordinance pursuant to section 26 para. 3 and that specify the safety level that a repositoriy for high-level radioactive waste in deep geological formations must meet in order to fulfill the requirements of nuclear legislation.” (section 2 para. 15 StandAG) 
“The requirements to be defined include, in particular:
1. requirements for the protection against damage caused by ionizing radiation;
2. requirements concerning retrievability and to enable recoverability;
3. requirements concerning the safety concept of the repository for the operating and the post-closure phases, including its gradual optimization.” (section 26 para. 3 no. 1 to 3 StandAG)

Source: Translated from sections 2 no. 15 StandAG and 26 para. 3 no. 1 to 3 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“A ‘supplement’ to a requirement that increases the robustness of the repository system’s safety.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“The interlinking of existing management systems in the Site Selection division at an overarching level. It serves to identify and resolve redundancies and promote possible synergies with a view to optimizing the Site Selection Procedure as a large-scale project within the BGE. At the same time, the safety-oriented integrated management system [sicherheitsgerichtetes Integriertes Managementsystem –] (sgIMS) includes a definition of the existing level of safety and allows this level to be measured and continually improved.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

See “salt stock”

Status: November 2023

“Salt stock or salt diapir with a dome-like exterior.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“The term salt stock or salt diapir refers to salt structures that have risen up from what were originally flat-lying salt layers under tectonic influence and have broken through overlying strata.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: November 2023

“A horizontal surface produced by the leaching activity of groundwater on salt deposits, especially salt stocks. Residual rock (cap rock […]) generally lies on top of the [salt table] as a dissolution residue.”

Source: Translated from Murawski & Meyer (2010, p. 142f.)

Status: May 2023

“Science-based work is underpinned by the ongoing determination and consideration of the current state of the art of science and technology. Early uptake of new scientific findings, technical innovations, and societal changes allows knowledge gaps to be identified and closed by means of research.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2020/7, p. 35) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“‘A technique used in applied geophysics whereby’ mechanical excitement on the surface or in a borehole (e.g. by a hammer blow, small explosions, or vibrations at specific frequencies) produces ‘elastic waves in the earth crust that propagate in the individual rock strata’ and are refracted and reflected ‘due to the different physical characteristics of the strata.’ ‘The waves are recorded […] using geophones’ or hydrophones before being processed (see “processing”) and interpreted.”

Source: Adapted and translated from Murawski & Meyer (2010, p. 151)

Status: May 2023

“Guideline setting out ‘unified specifications’ regarding the ‘assumed attack scenarios’ and ‘security measures to be adopted’ in order to ‘ensure a uniform security level’ of ‘nuclear facilities […] against IT attacks.’”

Source: Translated from BASE (2022)

Status: May 2023

“In accordance with section 9a para. 3 clause 1 of the Atomic Energy Act [Atomgesetz – AtG], the Site Selection Procedure aims to identify a site for a final disposal facility in the Federal Republic of Germany providing the best possible safety for domestically produced high-level radioactive waste by means of a participative, science-based, transparent, self-questioning, and learning process.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 2 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The areas that are to be identified in accordance with section 16 para. 2. These are located within siting regions and are eligible for underground exploration in order to determine their suitability as a repository site.”

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 20 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“The areas that are to be identified pursuant to section 14. These are located in the sub-areas and are eligible for surface exploration in order to identify potentially suitable repository sites in these regions.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 19 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“An instrument for determining the socio-economic status quo in affected siting regions in the interests of the local population vis-à-vis the project sponsor. Its results are then to be taken into account when weighing up siting regions respectively sites with equally good suitability with regard to safety aspects, and in each case subordinate to the safety aspects. Lastly, the results provide indications for the future compensation of socio-economic disadvantages of the region that ultimately provides the site and are therefore associated with the fairest possible distribution of burdens.”

Source: Translated from K-Drs. 268, p. 352

Status: May 2023

“The ratio of the activity of a radionuclide to the mass of the material in which the radionuclide is distributed. In solid radioactive substances, the reference mass to determine the specific activity equals the mass of the body or object which is inseparable from the radioactivity when used as intended. For gaseous radioactive substances, the reference mass equals the mass of the gas or the mix of gases.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 17 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“The strategic environmental assessment [Strategische Umweltprüfung – SUP] complements the environmental impact assessment [Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfung – UVP]. The difference between the two is that an SUP is carried out at an earlier stage than an UVP. While an UVP is not carried out until an environmentally relevant project enters the approval process, an SUP is carried out at the planning stage because important decisions relating to the environment often have to be taken in the context of preparatory plans and programmes.”

Source: Translated from BMUV (o. J.)

Status: May 2023

“A branch of geological sciences that sorts rocks according to their chronological formation, considering all of their inorganic and organic characteristics and contents, and establishes a timescale for dating geological processes and events. [Stratigraphy] therefore forms the basis for reconstructing the history of Earth and life but also, crucially, for questions of regional geology.”

Source: Translated from Murawski & Meyer (2010, p. 159); see also Grotzinger & Jordan (2017, p. 745)

Status: May 2023

“The areas that are to be identified pursuant to section 13 and that can be expected to provide favorable geological conditions for the safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste.”

Source: Translated from section 2 no. 18 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“Underground leaching of soluble rocks, especially salts, by groundwater. — This underground leaching can result in subsidence of the overlying rock, such that a depression (a subrosion depression [or sinkhole]) forms on the surface.”

Source: Translated from Murawski & Meyer (2010, p. 164)

Status: May 2023

“Subsystems of a repository are characterized by the fact that the areas and components they contain have similar principal functions and similar operating sequences. In some circumstances, an influence in the area of a subsystem can be expected to have similar effects on the repository’s operational safety, which is why the same safety systems and technical and organizational measures can be considered within a subsystem.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 48) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Contamination of a surface with radioactive substances, including the non-fixed and fixed activity that has penetrated via the surface. The unit of the measured value of the surface contamination shall be the activity for surface areas in becquerels per square centimetre.”

Source: Translated from section 1 para. 10 StrlSchV

Status: May 2023

“Operative sections of a mine that are located above ground.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2021/3, p. 6) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Technically ‘engineered units that inhibit or prevent the migration of radionuclides.’”

Source: Translated from section 2 para. 8 StandAG

Status: May 2023

“[...], the term technical facility refers summarily to mechanical components and systems, to electrical and instrumentation and control equipment and components as well as to the structural components (buildings, partial structures, structural systems and components).”

Source: KTA 1403, p. 5

Status: November 2023

“Documentation of the execution and the results of a quality check.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Evalution of a report (e.g. result report, fundamental report, progress of work, fundamental technical input).”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

“Overview that summarizes and documents planned and executed quality checks for a document.”

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“A collective term for containers that are approved for the transport of radioactive waste and that additionally have time-limited authorization for the dry interim storage of such waste.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“Mathematical model of radionuclide transport over the evaluation period.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition) 

Status: May 2023

“Uncertainty is a lack of certainty and/or information to describe the system and therefore to assess potential negative consequences. Uncertainties can arise both due to a lack of knowledge […] and due to natural variability.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 49) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“As part of the identification of siting regions, a verbal-argumentative approach aggregates qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative evaluations, establishes contentual linkages, and draws logical conclusions in order to reach an evaluation of a set of facts. A verbal-argumentative process is therefore distinguished from purely quantitative model calculations.” 

Source: Translated from German BGE glossary (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023

“In reprocessing, spent fuel elements are chemically dissolved into their individual components using nitric acid. Uranium and plutonium are recovered and used to produce new fuel elements. The remainder of the […] [higher actinides and fission products, e.g.,] cesium, strontium, etc., are [calcinated and] bound within liquid glass [which is then poured into a steel canister] […]. The finished product is referred to as a glass canister and falls within the category of high-level radioactive waste.”

Source: Translated from BASE (2025a)

Status: May 2023

“The entirety of the high-level radioactive waste that is to be disposed.”

Source: Translated from BGE (2022/2, p. 46) (BGE definition)

Status: May 2023