point of contact
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common ground
A similarity, shared interest, or connection between people, groups, or topics. This meaning is used figuratively.
Obwohl sie aus verschiedenen Ländern kamen, fanden sie schnell Berührungspunkte in ihrer Liebe zur Musik.
Although they came from different countries, they quickly found common ground in their love of music.
The word is made up of 'Berührung' (touch/contact) and 'Punkt' (point). So it literally describes a 'point at which something touches.' This basic idea helps you understand both meanings.
Unsere Meinungen haben hier keinen einzigen Berührungspunkt.
Our opinions have not a single point of contact here.
In the figurative sense, people often say that one 'Berührungspunkte findet' (finds common ground), 'Berührungspunkte hat' (has points of contact/common ground), or that there are 'Berührungspunkte zwischen' (points of contact between) two topics.
Trotz unserer unterschiedlichen Hobbys haben wir viele Berührungspunkte.
Despite our different hobbies, we have a lot of common ground.
You can recognize the mathematical meaning from the context. When geometry, curves, circles, or tangents are being discussed, it always means the exact point at which something touches.
Zwei Kreise können null, einen oder zwei Berührungspunkte haben.
Two circles can have zero, one, or two points of contact.
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'der Berührungspunkt' can both refer to a connection between people, groups, or topics. 'die Verbindung' sounds more like a contact, a relationship, or a direct connection. 'der Berührungspunkt' refers more to common ground or a point where two topics or people have something to do with each other. The words can be confused because a 'Berührungspunkt' is a kind of small connection. When it is about real contact, 'Verbindung' fits better; when it is only about a shared point or a shared interest, 'Berührungspunkt' fits better.
Nach dem Unterricht finden die Kinder im Gespräch schnell einen gemeinsamen Berührungspunkt.
After class, the children quickly find common ground in conversation.
Sie wird am Wochenende eine Verbindung zu den neuen Kunden aufbauen.
She will establish a connection with the new customers over the weekend.