Zettelkasten Method

The Zettelkasten method is a powerful note-taking and knowledge management system developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann.

What is Zettelkasten?

Zettelkasten (German for “slip box”) is a method that emphasizes:

1. Atomic notes (one idea per note)
2. Explicit connections between notes
3. Emergent structure through links

For formatting your Zettelkasten notes, see our Markdown reference.

Core Principles

Atomic Notes

Each note should contain exactly one idea, making it easier to connect and recombine.

Connection-First Thinking

The value lies not in individual notes but in their connections. For a broader approach to connection-based systems, see our Digital Garden Guide.

Your Own Words

Notes should be written in your own words to ensure understanding and integration with your knowledge.

Implementation in a PKB

Implementing Zettelkasten in a personal knowledge base requires:

1. A consistent note format
2. A reliable linking system
3. A method for discovering connections

Read our Personal Knowledge Base Guide for integration strategies.

Zettelkasten vs. Other Methods

Digital Tools for Zettelkasten

Several modern tools support the Zettelkasten method:

• Obsidian
• Roam Research
• Zettlr
• The Archive
• Hugo with custom templates

For organizing your Zettelkasten effectively, check our Content Organization Guide.

Conclusion

The Zettelkasten method requires initial effort but provides compounding returns as your note collection grows and connections multiply.