TITLE: discrete normal subgroup of a connected group
QUESTION [18 upvotes]: could any one give me hint for this one?
$G$ be a connected group, and let $H$ be a discrete normal subgroup of $G$, then we need to show $H$ is contained in the center of $G$
first of all, I have no clear idea what is meant by discrete subgroup and its any special properties?

REPLY [12 votes]: Suppose $h \in H$, $g\in G $ and $ghg^{-1}\not=h$, then since $G$ is connected manifold, hence path connected, one can find a path $g(t)$ in $G$ going from $e$ to $g$. Notice $a(t):=g(t)hg(t)^{-1}$ realizes a path lying entirely in $H$ from $h$ to $ghg^{-1}$ which contracts the discreteness of $H$.