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.
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.
principle
'das Prinzip' and 'der Leitfaden' can both provide orientation. A 'Prinzip' is a fundamental rule or belief that someone acts according to. A 'Leitfaden' is often a concrete guide with steps or tips. But it can also be a central idea that guides a process or a text. There is a risk of confusion because both can say what someone orients themselves by. If you mean a fixed rule, 'Prinzip' fits. If you mean help with how to proceed, or a line running through a topic, 'Leitfaden' fits better.
Für die Bewerbung nutzt Mehmet einen Leitfaden mit vielen praktischen Tipps.
Mehmet uses a guide with lots of practical tips for the application.
In unserer Familie gilt das Prinzip, dass jeder im Haushalt hilft.
In our family, the principle is that everyone helps with the housework.