rule of thumb
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rule of thumb
A simple, rough rule based on experience that allows for a quick estimate or decision, even if it is not always exact.
Als Faustregel gilt: Pro Person rechnet man beim Grillen mit etwa 250 Gramm Fleisch.
As a rule of thumb: when barbecuing, you calculate about 250 grams of meat per person.
The word consists of 'Faust' (fist) and 'Regel' (rule). It is a figurative description of a rule that is so simple and imprecise that it is as if you were measuring with your fist instead of with an exact instrument.
Ich kenne eine gute Faustregel, um die richtige Kochzeit für Nudeln zu schätzen.
I know a good rule of thumb for estimating the right cooking time for pasta.
A very common formulation is 'Als Faustregel gilt: ...' (As a rule of thumb: ...). After the colon comes a main clause that describes the actual rule.
Als Faustregel gilt: Je dunkler die Schokolade, desto mehr Kakao enthält sie.
As a rule of thumb: the darker the chocolate, the more cocoa it contains.
You can 'sich an eine Faustregel halten' (stick to a rule of thumb) or 'eine Faustregel anwenden' (apply a rule of thumb). It is also often described as an 'einfache' (simple) or 'grobe' (rough) rule of thumb to emphasize its imprecision.
Wenn du dich an diese einfache Faustregel hältst, kann nicht viel schiefgehen.
If you stick to this simple rule of thumb, not much can go wrong.
rule of thumb / empirical value
A Faustregel is a deliberately simplified and approximate rule for making a quick estimate or decision. An Erfahrungswert is also based on practical experience, but it can be a value determined more precisely or a broader insight.
Als Faustregel rechnen wir für die Feier mit etwa hundert Gramm Reis pro Person.
As a rule of thumb, we allow for about 100 grams of rice per person for the party.
Unser Erfahrungswert aus früheren Feiern liegt bei 95 Gramm Reis pro Person.
Our figure based on experience from previous parties is 95 grams of rice per person.
