This is the 3281st most frequent German word.
fäden
"Fäden" means "threads" in English.
Here, 'Fäden' is used in its literal sense to refer to threads or fibers.
Die Fäden des Pullovers sind lose.
The threads of the sweater are loose.
In this case, 'Fäden' metaphorically refers to controlling or orchestrating aspects of a project.
Er zog die Fäden bei diesem Projekt.
He pulled the strings in this project.
Here, 'Fäden' metaphorically expresses the connections or elements within the storyline.