pivot / crux
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crux
The central and decisive point of a matter, around which everything revolves. It is the core of a problem or discussion.
Der Angelpunkt der Debatte ist die Finanzierung des Projekts.
The crux of the debate is the financing of the project.
pivot point
A technical or physical point at which something turns or that serves as a support, such as the axis of a door or a lever.
Die Tür quietscht, weil der obere Angelpunkt nicht richtig geschmiert ist.
The door squeaks because the upper pivot point is not properly lubricated.
The word is made up of 'die Angel' (hinge) and 'der Punkt' (point). An 'Angel' is a hinge, for example on a door, so it is the point around which something turns. This literal meaning also explains the figurative sense.
Der Angelpunkt der ganzen Geschichte ist ein Missverständnis.
The crux of the whole story is a misunderstanding.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from abstract nouns like 'Diskussion' (discussion), 'Problem' (problem), or 'Frage' (question). You can recognize the literal, technical meaning from concrete objects like 'Tür' (door), 'Hebel' (lever), or 'Konstruktion' (construction).
Der Angelpunkt des Problems ist der Mangel an Kommunikation.
The crux of the problem is the lack of communication.
In the figurative meaning, the word is often used to describe the core of a matter. Common combinations are 'der Angelpunkt der Diskussion' (the crux of the discussion), 'der Angelpunkt der Frage' (the crux of the question), or 'der springende Punkt' (the crucial point).
Datenschutz ist der Angelpunkt bei der Einführung der neuen Software.
Data protection is the crux when introducing the new software.
focus / center of gravity
Schwerpunkt and Angelpunkt can both refer to a central aspect of a matter. Schwerpunkt refers to the focus or emphasis in terms of content, while Angelpunkt is the decisive point around which everything revolves. Use Schwerpunkt for the focus or direction, and Angelpunkt for the decisive basis.
Die hohen Kosten sind der Angelpunkt der Diskussion.
The high costs are the crux of the discussion.
Der Schwerpunkt der Diskussion liegt auf den hohen Kosten.
The focus of the discussion is on the high costs.
