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 / period
'Regel' and 'Faustregel' can both provide guidance on how to do something. A 'Regel' can be exact and binding, for example in grammar, in a course, or in an organization. A 'Faustregel', on the other hand, is only a simple, rough aid based on experience. It is practical, but not always exact. Learners may confuse the words because both say how you can make a decision or calculate something. If something really has to apply, you are more likely to say 'Regel'. If it is only a quick estimate, you say 'Faustregel'.
Als Faustregel gilt: Für eine Person rechnet man etwa 100 Gramm Nudeln.
As a rule of thumb: calculate about 100 grams of pasta per person.
Kennst du die Regel für die Wortstellung im Nebensatz?
Do you know the rule for word order in a subordinate clause?