guide / guiding principle
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guide
Instructions or a manual that introduces a specific topic, gives practical directions, or serves as an orientation aid.
Dieser Leitfaden erklärt Schritt für Schritt, wie man die Software installiert.
This guide explains step by step how to install the software.
guiding principle
A basic principle or central idea that runs through a work, a discussion, or a course of action and serves as orientation. Similar to the 'roter Faden' (common thread).
Die Frage der Nachhaltigkeit war der Leitfaden der gesamten Konferenz.
The question of sustainability was the guiding principle of the entire conference.
The word is made up of 'leiten' (to lead, to guide) and 'Faden' (thread). Figuratively, it describes a thread that guides someone safely through a complex topic or task.
Dieser Leitfaden hilft Ihnen durch den gesamten Bewerbungsprozess.
This guide helps you through the entire application process.
The concrete meaning (instructions/guide) is often recognizable from practical topics such as software or hobbies. The figurative meaning (basic principle) is usually connected with abstract concepts such as a discussion, a life, or a philosophy.
Der Leitfaden zur Kamerabedienung ist sehr verständlich.
The guide to using the camera is very easy to understand.
As a guide or set of instructions, 'Leitfaden' is often used with the prepositions 'für' (+ accusative) or 'zu' (+ dative) to name the topic.
Ich suche einen guten Leitfaden für die Vogelbeobachtung.
I'm looking for a good guide to birdwatching.
In the figurative meaning, 'Leitfaden' is often combined with the verb 'dienen' (to serve). The phrase 'als Leitfaden dienen' means that an idea or principle functions as a guide.
Seine moralischen Überzeugungen dienten ihm im Leben als Leitfaden.
His moral convictions served as a guiding principle for him in life.
manual / handbook
Handbuch and Leitfaden both provide orientation in a field. A Handbuch covers the field in a more systematic and comprehensive way. A Leitfaden selects the most important points and offers practical guidance through a particular process or provides recommendations for it.
Der Leitfaden zeigt dem Team, wie es ein neues Projekt sinnvoll plant.
The guide shows the team how to plan a new project sensibly.
Das Handbuch beschreibt die Grundlagen und Methoden des Projektmanagements umfassend.
The handbook provides a comprehensive description of the foundations and methods of project management.
