DIN EN ISO 9000:2026-09

What is DIN EN ISO 9000 about?

DIN EN ISO 9000 describes the fundamentals of quality management and defines the key terminology of the ISO 9000 family. It provides the professional basis for quality management systems and supports organizations in developing a shared understanding of quality management, processes, requirements and continual improvement.

The standard serves as a fundamental reference document for the application of ISO 9001 and other standards in the ISO 9000 series. It explains the principles of quality management, describes key quality management concepts and provides uniform vocabulary for organizations in all sectors.

What content does the standard cover?

DIN EN ISO 9000 describes the fundamentals, concepts and terms of quality management, thereby creating a common language for quality management systems. It also addresses current developments and trends that are relevant to organizations and management systems.

Topics covered at a glance:

• Quality management and quality management systems (QMS)
• The seven principles of quality management
• Customer focus, leadership and process orientation
• Risk-based thinking and continual improvement
• Quality culture and process management
• Terms relating to quality, requirements, processes and audits
• Knowledge management, information management and change management
• Innovation, new technologies and sustained success of organizations

Why is the standard relevant in practice?

DIN EN ISO 9000 provides the basis for understanding and applying modern quality management systems (QMS). It helps organizations interpret quality requirements consistently and implement quality management principles effectively.

The definitions and concepts relating to process management, risk-based thinking, customer focus, quality culture and continual improvement are particularly relevant. The standard therefore creates an important foundation for the implementation, further development and auditing of quality management systems.

What changes have been made compared with the previous edition?

Compared with DIN EN ISO 9000:2015-11, the standard has been comprehensively revised. The most important changes include:

• Adjustment of the title from “Quality management systems — Fundamentals and vocabulary” to “Quality management — Fundamentals and vocabulary”
• Restructuring of the document in line with the current ISO structure
• Expansion and updating of terms and definitions
• Reorganization of terms into thematic categories
• Inclusion of additional quality management concepts, including process management, risk-based thinking and quality culture
• Introduction of further concepts relating to new technologies, innovation, knowledge management, change management and the circular economy
• Revision of the concept diagrams and graphical representations in Annex A

Target group

• Quality managers and quality management representatives
• Auditors and certification bodies
• Managers and process owners
• Consultants for quality management systems
• Organizations with ISO 9001 certification or intending to obtain certification
• Specialists in compliance, risk management and organizational development
• Providers of training and continuing education in quality management

Supplementary standards in the ISO 9000 family

For the implementation and further development of a quality management system, other standards in the ISO 9000 family may also be relevant, in particular requirements for quality management systems according to ISO 9001 and guidelines for sustained success according to ISO 9004.

This document replaces DIN EN ISO 9000:2015-11 .