link / connecting link
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link
A person, thing, or idea that creates a connection between two or more otherwise separate elements, groups, or concepts.
Die Dolmetscherin war das entscheidende Bindeglied bei den internationalen Verhandlungen.
The interpreter was the crucial link in the international negotiations.
connecting link
A physical component or element that mechanically connects two other parts.
An der Fahrradkette ist ein Bindeglied gebrochen.
A connecting link on the bicycle chain has broken.
The word is made up of the stem of the verb 'binden' (to bind/tie) and the noun 'das Glied' (the part, the element). It therefore literally describes a 'verbindendes Teil' (connecting part).
Freundschaft kann ein starkes Bindeglied zwischen Kulturen sein.
Friendship can be a strong link between cultures.
The context makes clear whether the figurative or literal meaning is intended. If people, ideas, or groups are being discussed, it is an abstract connection. If machines or technology are being discussed, it is a physical component.
Er fungierte als Bindeglied zwischen der Geschäftsführung und den Mitarbeitern.
He acted as a link between management and the employees.
In the figurative meaning, 'Bindeglied' (link) is very often used with the preposition 'zwischen' (between) and the dative to name the two elements that are being connected.
Musik ist ein wichtiges Bindeglied zwischen den Generationen.
Music is an important link between the generations.
In its abstract function, 'Bindeglied' (link) is frequently used with the verbs 'sein' (to be), 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute), or the more formal phrase 'als Bindeglied fungieren' (to act/function as a link).
Der neue Koordinator soll als Bindeglied zwischen den Abteilungen fungieren.
The new coordinator is supposed to act as a link between the departments.
bridge
In figurative language, Brücke is a connection between separate groups or ideas and is often vivid or rhetorical. Bindeglied is a more neutral term for the person, thing, or idea that creates this connection. Use Brücke for the image and Bindeglied for the connecting role.
Die Dolmetscherin war das Bindeglied zwischen den beiden Gruppen.
The interpreter was the link between the two groups.
Die Dolmetscherin war eine Brücke zwischen den beiden Gruppen.
The interpreter was a bridge between the two groups.
