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For a finite-dimensional Lie algebra over a field of characteristic zero, Cartan's criterion characterizes a solvable Lie algebra by vanishing of its Killing form on $\mathfrak{g}\times [\mathfrak{g},\mathfrak{g}]$, and a semisimple Lie algebra by nondegeneracy of that form. The Cartan solvability criterion and Cartan criterion for semisimplicity state the two distinct tests.

This is the solvability test in Cartan's criterion, distinct from its semisimplicity test.

A complex Lie subalgebra $\mathfrak{h}\subseteq \mathfrak{gl}(V)$ is solvable iffor every $x\in [\mathfrak{h},\mathfrak{h}]$ and $y\in \mathfrak{h}$. For an abstract Lie algebra, this is equivalent to $\kappa (\mathfrak{h},[\mathfrak{h},\mathfrak{h}])=0$.