leitmotif
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leitmotif
A short, recurring musical, literary, or artistic motif that is connected with a specific person, object, or idea.
In der Oper wird das Leitmotiv des Drachen immer gespielt, wenn er auf der Bühne erscheint.
In the opera, the dragon's leitmotif is always played when he appears on stage.
The word is made up of 'Leit-' (from 'leiten', meaning to guide or lead) and 'Motiv' (motif). So literally, it is a 'guiding motif' that plays a central, recurring role.
Das Leitmotiv der Freiheit zieht sich durch den gesamten Roman.
The guiding theme of freedom runs through the entire novel.
In this meaning, you will find the word mainly in texts about art, music, literature, or film. It describes a concrete, repeated element in a work.
Jeder Hauptfigur im Film ist ein eigenes musikalisches Leitmotiv zugeordnet.
Each main character in the film is assigned their own musical leitmotif.
In the figurative meaning, the 'Leitmotiv' (guiding theme) is an abstract principle. It describes a fundamental idea that determines a person's actions or the direction of an organization.
Nachhaltigkeit wurde zum Leitmotiv der Unternehmensphilosophie.
Sustainability became the guiding theme of the company's philosophy.
topic / theme
'das Thema' and 'das Leitmotiv' can both describe something central in a work or conversation. 'das Thema' is the main content: what people talk or write about. In music, it can also be an important melody. 'das Leitmotiv' is more often something that appears again and again and is connected with a person, idea, or mood. It can occur in music, literature, or art, but also as a recurring guiding idea in life or action. The words can be confused because both seem central. In practice: 'das Thema' says what something is about; 'das Leitmotiv' says what keeps recurring or shapes everything.
Umweltschutz ist das Leitmotiv des neuen Films.
Environmental protection is the guiding theme of the new film.
Im Kurs ist das Thema heute die Vorbereitung auf die Reise.
In the course, today's topic is preparing for the trip.