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.
guiding theme
A central, recurring idea or principle that determines a person's actions or the character of a work.
Soziale Gerechtigkeit war das Leitmotiv seines politischen Schaffens.
Social justice was the guiding theme of his political work.
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
Thema is the subject or central content of a work. A Leitmotiv, by contrast, is a recognizable element or central idea that recurs throughout the work and shapes it. For the issue being addressed, Thema is the right word; for a recurring idea or motif, Leitmotiv is more appropriate.
Die verschlossene Tür ist ein Leitmotiv, das im ganzen Roman wiederkehrt.
The locked door is a leitmotif that recurs throughout the novel.
Das Thema des Romans ist die Einsamkeit eines jungen Mannes.
The theme of the novel is the loneliness of a young man.
