jumping / key
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key point
A fixed expression that refers to the decisive, most important, or central aspect of a matter or discussion.
Der springende Punkt ist, dass wir die Frist unter allen Umständen einhalten müssen.
The key point is that we must meet the deadline under all circumstances.
'Springend' (jumping) is the present participle of the verb 'springen' (to jump). This form describes an ongoing action and is often used like an adjective.
Ein springender Frosch landete direkt vor meinen Füßen.
A jumping frog landed right in front of my feet.
The idiom 'der springende Punkt' (the key point) is fixed and cannot be changed. It always refers to the most important, decisive aspect of something.
Wir können lange diskutieren, aber der springende Punkt sind die Kosten.
We can discuss this for a long time, but the key point is the cost.
The expression 'der springende Punkt' (the key point) functions in a sentence like a normal noun phrase. It is often followed by an explanation with 'ist, dass ...' (is that ...) or 'ist: ...' (is: ...).
Der springende Punkt ist, dass wir ohne seine Zustimmung nicht anfangen können.
The key point is that we cannot start without his approval.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'der springende Punkt' (the key point) refers to an abstract idea, an argument, or a problem. The literal meaning, by contrast, describes a living being or object that is physically moving.
Du hast viele Argumente, aber du kommst nicht zum springenden Punkt.
You have many arguments, but you are not getting to the key point.
In its literal meaning, 'springend' (jumping) is used like a normal adjective before a noun. It describes that this noun is currently performing the action of jumping.
Das Kind malte einen springenden Ball auf das Papier.
The child drew a jumping ball on the paper.
essential / significantly
'wesentlich' and 'springend' are connected here through the fixed expression 'der springende Punkt' (the key point). Both can point to something decisive. 'wesentlich' is a normal adjective and fits with many nouns, for example 'ein wesentlicher Grund' (an essential reason) or 'ein wesentlicher Unterschied' (an essential difference). 'springend' is used in this meaning almost only in the expression 'der springende Punkt'. It means the central point in a question or discussion. Outside this expression, 'springend' literally means that someone or something is jumping.
Der springende Punkt ist, dass wir noch keinen Termin haben.
The key point is that we still do not have a date.
Ein wesentlicher Grund für die Verspätung war der starke Verkehr.
An essential reason for the delay was the heavy traffic.