guideline
Loading your saved state.
guideline
A general rule, principle, or recommendation that serves as guidance for action in a particular area.
Das Unternehmen hat neue ethische Leitlinien für seine Mitarbeiter veröffentlicht.
The company has published new ethical guidelines for its employees.
The word consists of 'leiten' (to guide, to lead) and 'Linie' (line). A 'Leitlinie' (guideline) is therefore literally a 'guiding line', which fits both a rule that guides action and a road marking that guides a vehicle.
Bitte halten Sie sich an die neuen Leitlinien des Projekts.
Please follow the new guidelines for the project.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about rules, ethics, politics, or medicine, it means a guideline. If it is about roads, traffic, or sports fields, it means a physical marking.
Die medizinischen Leitlinien zur Behandlung dieser Krankheit wurden aktualisiert.
The medical guidelines for treating this disease have been updated.
In the sense of 'Richtlinie' (guideline), the word is often used in the plural. Typical verbs are 'Leitlinien festlegen' (to establish guidelines), 'veröffentlichen' (to publish), 'befolgen' (to follow), or 'sich an Leitlinien halten' (to adhere to guidelines).
Alle Abteilungen müssen sich an die neuen internen Leitlinien halten.
All departments must adhere to the new internal guidelines.
In road traffic, the most common combinations are 'die durchgezogene Leitlinie' (the solid guideline/line) and 'die unterbrochene Leitlinie' (the broken guideline/line). A typical verb in this context is 'überfahren' (to drive over/cross).
Das Überfahren der durchgezogenen Leitlinie ist verboten und gefährlich.
Crossing the solid guideline is forbidden and dangerous.
rule / period
'die Regel' and 'die Leitlinie' both provide guidance for action. A 'Regel' is often more binding: you are supposed to or have to follow it. A 'Leitlinie' is usually more general and helps with decisions, but often leaves more room for flexibility. The words can be confused because both say how something should be done. If something is clearly prescribed, 'Regel' fits better. If it is more about a recommendation or direction, 'Leitlinie' is more natural.
Am Montag erklärt die Chefin dem Team die neue Leitlinie für den Kundenservice.
On Monday, the boss explains the new guideline for customer service to the team.
Im Labor gibt es die Regel, dass alle Schutzbrillen tragen müssen.
In the lab, there is a rule that everyone must wear safety goggles.