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Der rote Faden

The common thread, the main theme or recurring motif in a story, argument, or series of events

In German

Der rote Faden

der ro-te fa-den
Literal Translation
The red thread
Meaning
The common thread, the main theme or recurring motif in a story, argument, or series of events.

Equivalent:"The common thread"

Origin:Popularized by Goethe, it refers to a practice in the British Navy where all ropes of the royal ships had a red thread woven into them as a mark of ownership, making it impossible to remove without destroying the rope.

Example Sentences

  1. 1

    Der rote Faden in seiner Rede war die Bedeutung von Teamarbeit.

    The common thread (red thread) in his speech was the importance of teamwork.

  2. 2

    Ich kann den roten Faden in diesem Buch nicht finden, es ist zu verworren.

    I can't find the common thread (red thread) in this book; it's too convoluted.

FAQ

How do you say "The common thread, the main theme or recurring motif in a story, argument, or series of events" in German?

"The common thread, the main theme or recurring motif in a story, argument, or series of events" in German is "Der rote Faden" (der ro-te fa-den). Example: Der rote Faden in seiner Rede war die Bedeutung von Teamarbeit..

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