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.
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.
connection / association
'die Verbindung' and 'das Bindeglied' can both express that two people, groups, or areas are not completely separate. 'die Verbindung' refers more to the contact or relationship itself. 'das Bindeglied' usually refers to the person, thing, or idea that makes this connection possible. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with the verb 'verbinden' (to connect). In practical terms, you can say: the 'Verbindung' is the contact; the 'Bindeglied' is the element that creates the contact.
Nele ist im Freundeskreis das Bindeglied zwischen den alten und den neuen Mitgliedern.
In the group of friends, Nele is the link between the old and the new members.
Meine Schwester hat durch ihre Arbeit eine gute Verbindung zu einer großen Firma.
Through her work, my sister has a good connection to a large company.