springboard
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springboard
A flexible board used in gymnastics or for diving into water (e.g. at a swimming pool) in order to jump higher or farther.
Der Turmspringer sprang elegant vom Drei-Meter-Sprungbrett.
The diver jumped elegantly from the three-meter springboard.
The word consists of 'Sprung' (jump) and 'Brett' (board). So it is literally a board that you jump from. This basic idea also helps you understand the figurative meaning.
Vorsicht, das Sprungbrett im Schwimmbad ist nass und rutschig.
Careful, the springboard at the swimming pool is wet and slippery.
In the literal meaning, the height is often specified, e.g. 'das Ein-Meter-Sprungbrett' (the one-meter springboard) or 'das Drei-Meter-Sprungbrett' (the three-meter springboard). The typical action is 'vom Sprungbrett springen' (to jump from the springboard).
Als Kind hatte ich Angst, vom Fünf-Meter-Sprungbrett zu springen.
As a child, I was afraid to jump from the five-meter springboard.
The figurative meaning is very common. A chance or position is seen as a 'Sprungbrett' (springboard) for a better future, usually in a career.
Er nutzte die kleine Rolle als Sprungbrett für seine Schauspielkarriere.
He used the small role as a springboard for his acting career.
In the figurative sense, 'Sprungbrett' (springboard) is often used with the verbs 'nutzen' (to use), 'dienen' (to serve), or 'sein' (to be). The prepositions 'für' (for) or 'in' (into) introduce the career goal.
Ein gutes Netzwerk kann als Sprungbrett für den beruflichen Aufstieg dienen.
A good network can serve as a springboard for career advancement.
chance / opportunity
'die Chance' and 'das Sprungbrett' can both describe a possibility that helps you move forward. 'die Chance' is broader: it can mean any good opportunity or also the prospect of success. 'das Sprungbrett' is more figurative and fits especially when a position, project, or training program is the starting point for something bigger. It emphasizes the next step upward, often in a career or social life. A chance can be small or large; a springboard especially helps with advancement.
Das Praktikum wird für Mehmet ein Sprungbrett in seinen ersten festen Job.
The internship will be a springboard for Mehmet into his first permanent job.
Frau Schwarz hat heute die Chance, ihr Projekt der Chefin vorzustellen.
Ms. Schwarz has the chance today to present her project to her boss.