opening credits / team of extra draft animals
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opening credits
The introductory sequence of a film or television show, in which the title, main actors, and most important contributors are typically named.
Ich überspringe nie den Vorspann meiner Lieblingsserie, weil die Musik so gut ist.
I never skip the opening credits of my favorite series because the music is so good.
'Vorspann' is made up of 'vor-' (in front/before) and the verb 'spannen' (to hitch/stretch). The logic is that something is 'hitched' or placed before the main thing: the titles before the film, or additional draft animals in front of the wagon.
Der Vorspann des Films war künstlerisch sehr aufwendig gestaltet.
The opening credits of the film were designed in a very elaborate artistic way.
The two meanings are easy to distinguish by context. In connection with film, television, or series, it always means the introductory sequence. If people are talking about historical vehicles, agriculture, or draft animals, it means the additional animals.
Im Vorspann wurde der Name des Regisseurs falsch geschrieben.
The director's name was spelled incorrectly in the opening credits.
In the context of films, 'Vorspann' (opening credits) is often combined with the verbs 'ansehen' (to watch), 'überspringen' (to skip), or 'laufen' (to run/be playing).
Viele Leute überspringen den Vorspann, wenn sie eine Serie am Stück schauen.
Many people skip the opening credits when they binge-watch a series.
The meaning of 'Vorspann' as additional draft animals is rare today and is mainly used in historical texts or descriptions. The meaning in a film context, by contrast, is everyday language.
Im Museum gab es eine alte Darstellung eines Fuhrwerks mit Vorspann.
In the museum, there was an old depiction of a wagon with an extra draft team.
introduction / initiation
'die Einleitung' and 'der Vorspann' both refer to an opening part that comes before the main part. 'Einleitung' is more general and fits texts, speeches, presentations, or events. 'Vorspann' is used especially for films or television shows. There, at the beginning, you often see the title and the names of important people involved. When talking about an essay or a presentation, you normally say 'Einleitung'. When talking about film or television, 'Vorspann' is more precise.
Im Vorspann der Serie werden die Hauptdarsteller gezeigt.
The main actors are shown in the opening credits of the series.
Für den Bericht schreibt Lisa zuerst eine kurze Einleitung.
For the report, Lisa first writes a short introduction.