hoofdlijn

Hoofdlijn is a Dutch term meaning the main line or overarching thread of something, such as a plan, argument, or narrative. It denotes the central idea or structure that provides direction and coherence to a text, project, or discussion.

Originating from hoof (head or main) and lijn (line), the word is widely used in contemporary Dutch to indicate the guiding framework of a document or discourse. In practice, the hoofdlijn helps readers or stakeholders grasp the core message without getting lost in details.

The term appears in several contexts. In policy-making and corporate planning, the hoofdlijn outlines the central objectives, principal measures, and overall timetable, serving as a compass for subsequent actions and subcomponents. In journalism, it refers to the main storyline or thesis that drives coverage. In education and project management, the hoofdlijn conveys the overarching scope and learning or delivery goals, with sublines or subtopics handling supporting details.

Examples include a government white paper presenting the hoofdlijn of reform, a newsroom presenting the hoofdlijn of a feature package, or a project plan describing the hoofdlijn as the core value proposition and key milestones.

Related concepts include core idea, central thread, and overarching strategy. The hoofdlijn is distinct from more granular elements, which break the main line into specific tasks, evidence, or sublines. In usage, clarity about the hoofdlijn improves communication and alignment among diverse stakeholders.