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{\def\enorm {\mathop{\mbox{\boldmath{$|\!|$}}}\nolimits} Let $u \in H$ be the exact solution of a given self--adjoint elliptic boundary value problem, which is approximated by some $\tilde{u} \in {\cal S}$, $\cal S$ being a suitable finite element space. Efficient and reliable a posteriori estimates of the error $\enorm u - \tilde{u}\enorm $, measuring the (local) quality of $\tilde{u}$, play a crucial role in termination criteria and in the adaptive refinement of the underlying mesh. A well--known class of error estimates can be derived systematically by localizing the discretized defect problem using domain decomposition techniques. In the present paper, we provide a guideline for the theoretical analysis of such error estimates. We further clarify the relation to other concepts. Our analysis leads to new error estimates, which are specially suited to three space dimensions. The theoretical results are illustrated by numerical computations.}
This paper throws light on the connection between the optimal condition number estimate for the BPX method and constructive approximation theory. We provide a machinery, which allows to understand the optimality as a consequence of an approximation property and an inverse inequality in $H^{1+\epsilon}$, $\epsilon > 0$. This machinery constructs so-called {\em approximation spaces}, which characterize a certain rate of approximation by finite elements and relates them with interpolation spaces, which characterize a certain smoothness.