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.
prologue
In cycling, a short individual time trial that takes place at the beginning of a stage race to determine the first wearer of the leader's jersey.
Der Spezialist für kurze Distanzen gewann den Prolog der Tour de France.
The specialist in short distances won the prologue of the Tour de France.
'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 / initiation
Einleitung and Prolog can both appear at the beginning of a literary work and introduce its topic. Einleitung refers to a general, functional introduction, while Prolog means a separate artistic prelude that often provides backstory. Choose Einleitung for a straightforward introduction and Prolog for this special kind of prelude.
Im Prolog des Romans erzählt eine alte Frau die Vorgeschichte der Familie.
In the novel's prologue, an old woman tells the family's backstory.
Die Einleitung des Romans erklärt kurz das Thema und den historischen Hintergrund.
The novel's introduction briefly explains its topic and historical background.
