Dictionary
guideline
German → American English
American English
guideline
A general rule, recommendation, or policy that helps guide actions or decisions.
Die neuen Richtlinien geben klare Vorgaben für das Projekt.Use guideline for a general rule or recommendation, especially in formal, technical, or administrative contexts. In everyday German, Richtlinie and Leitlinie are often more natural depending on the field.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “guideline” mean in German?
“Guideline” is usually translated as Richtlinie, Leitlinie, or Vorgabe, depending on the context.
What is the difference between Richtlinie and Leitlinie?
Richtlinie is a rule or policy, while Leitlinie is more of a practical recommendation or professional guideline, especially in medicine or research.
Can I use guideline in German directly?
In some professional contexts, especially in German business or technical writing, the English word guideline is used, but the German equivalents are more common.