prologue
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prologue
An introductory part or preface of a literary work, play, or film that often tells the backstory or introduces the topic.
Der Prolog des Romans beschreibt die Ereignisse, die zwanzig Jahre vor der Haupthandlung stattfanden.
The prologue of the novel describes the events that took place twenty years before the main plot.
'Prolog' (prologue) comes from Greek: 'pro' means 'before' and 'logos' means 'word' or 'speech'. A prologue is therefore literally a 'foreword' or an introductory speech, which explains its function in literature and sports.
Der Prolog des Buches gibt wichtige Hinweise auf die Hauptfigur.
The prologue of the book gives important clues about the main character.
You can always tell from the context whether the literary or the sports meaning is intended. Words like 'Buch' (book), 'Theater' (theater), or 'Roman' (novel) point to the introduction. Words like 'Radsport' (cycling), 'Rennen' (race), or 'Tour de France' point to the time trial.
Der Prolog der Tour de France fand dieses Jahr in Kopenhagen statt.
The prologue of the Tour de France took place in Copenhagen this year.
The opposite of the prologue is the 'Epilog' (epilogue). The prefix 'epi-' means 'after'. An epilogue is therefore an afterword or a concluding part at the end of a work. Knowing this pair helps you understand both words better.
Im Epilog erfährt der Leser, was aus den Charakteren zehn Jahre später wurde.
In the epilogue, the reader learns what became of the characters ten years later.
introduction / implementation / insertion
'die Einführung' and 'der Prolog' can both introduce something. However, 'Einführung' is a general word for a first explanation or initial overview. 'Prolog' is used for literary works, plays, or films. It is part of the work itself and often tells something that is important before the actual plot begins. Learners may confuse the words because both come at the beginning. For lessons and factual topics, you say 'Einführung'; for the introductory part of a story, 'Prolog' is more precise.
Im Prolog des Films sieht man, was zehn Jahre vorher passiert ist.
In the film's prologue, you see what happened ten years earlier.
Die Einführung am Anfang des Buches erklärt die wichtigsten Ideen einfach.
The introduction at the beginning of the book explains the most important ideas in a simple way.