The Zettelkasten Method: Everything You Need To Know

With constant stimulation and an endless stream of information coming our way, it’s easy to lose track of what we take in, let alone recall it and use it to our advantage!

In fact, according to a study by Opentext, 80% of global workers struggle with information overload. 

But there is a way to store your thoughts and build knowledge in a meaningful way –  the Zettelkasten Method. 

Discover how this note-taking system can transform the way you store information and link ideas together. You’ll be amazed at just how much your knowledge will expand!

What Is the Zettelkasten Method?

The Zettelkasten (German for ‘note box’) is a note-taking and knowledge management system developed by German sociologist Niklas Luhmann.

Luhmann’s method was central to his ability to produce a staggering amount of academic work—he published more than 70 books and 400 scholarly articles. 

Instead of one-off notes like the Cornell method, Zettelkasten is a living knowledge base where you continuously add, refine, and link ideas. Much like a personal Wiki, it’s about creating a web of interconnected thoughts, helping you develop ideas and new insights. 

Types Of Notes To Put In Your Zettelkasten

So how do you make the zettelkasten? There are 3 different types of notes you can add: 

1. Fleeting Notes

Fleeting notes are quick, rough notes capture thoughts, observations, or questions that pop into your mind. It could be while you’re on a walk, talking with your friend, taking in a shower, anything counts! These are temporary and meant to be processed later. Think of them as placeholders that allow you to jot down ideas as they come to you.

2. Literature Notes

When consuming content, whether you’re reading a book or watching a video, take notes on the key points in your own words. This helps deepen your understanding as opposed to copying and pasting direct quotes. 

Remember to track you references!

 3. Permanent (Zettel) Notes

So you’ve written quite a few fleeting and literature notes – what do you do with them? Turn them into permanent notes!

Also called zettels, these are the essential pieces of information that you’ve fully processed and intend to keep long-term. Each permanent note should focus on one idea and link to other relevant notes, creating a rich network of interconnected ideas.

When you create a note, ensure that someone entirely new to the topic would be able to understand it. We’ve all had the experience of writing something down, only to read it later and have no idea what we meant! To avoid this, write your notes as if you’re explaining the concept to someone for the first time.

4. Index or Reference Notes

Structure notes are like a table of contents that guide you through your Zettelkasten. They group related topics, providing an overarching view of your knowledge. These notes or index cards help you navigate the web of interconnected thoughts with ease.

If you’re creating a digital zettelkasten, however, you probably won’t need these. 

Benefits Of The Zettelkasten Method

The Zettelkasten Method isn’t just a way to take smart notes – it’s a thinking tool. Here’s why it works so well:

• Ideas Build on Each Other: Unlike traditional note-taking, where your ideas might remain isolated in different sections of a notebook, Zettelkasten makes it easy to build on ideas.

Each new note is linked to existing notes, creating a network of interconnected ideas. This makes spotting patterns, making connections, and generating new ideas easier.

• It Encourages Active Learning: By breaking down ideas into a single note and then linking them to other notes, you’re combining thinking and writing which deepens your understanding and creativity.

• It’s Flexible and Adaptable: The Zettelkasten Method grows and evolves with you. As you add more notes, your web of knowledge becomes more sophisticated, making it easier to navigate complex ideas.

The Best Tools To Use The Zettelkasten Method

Although, I love to take handwritten notes, there are several great Zettelkasten software options that make it so much easier to build your Zettelkasten: 

• Obsidian: Obsidian is a powerful note-taking tool that allows you to create links between notes, build a knowledge graph, and organise your notes with keyword tags and backlinks.

• Roam Research: Known for its bidirectional links and seamless note connections, Roam Research is another great option for those looking to implement Zettelkasten digitally.

• Notion: Notion is a flexible tool that can be customised to fit many workflows, including Zettelkasten. While it doesn’t have as powerful linking features as Obsidian or Roam, it’s a great all-in-one platform for organising your knowledge.

Create A Zettelkasten Today!

It sucks when you know that you’re a well-read person or have an inquisitive mind, yet you feel like you’re swimming in a sea of ideas, notes, and insights but can’t quite piece them together! 

The Zettelkasten Method is a game-changer for anyone looking to organise their thoughts, learn more effectively, and connect ideas across different domains. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or just someone who loves learning, this method helps you transform scattered notes into a rich web of knowledge.

So, ready to give it a try? Grab your favourite note-taking tool and start building your own Zettelkasten—a second brain that evolves with you.