Stück
/ʃtʏk/neuter
The German word for piece is Stück.
Stück refers to a part of a larger whole. It can describe a physical fragment, a piece of music or a theatrical play. When you want to use it as a counter for uncountable nouns, such as a piece of cake, you use the form ein Stück.
Meaning: part of a larger whole (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Stück is the standard term for a piece, the colloquial word Schnipsel is used when referring specifically to small, irregularly shaped fragments or snippets.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Stück is Stücke.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtʏk/
Did you know?
- The German Stück is a linguistic relative of the Yiddish word shtik. In English, 'shtick' has been borrowed from Yiddish to describe a person's unique talent or comedic routine.
- While 'piece' in English is often used for 'a piece of advice', Germans use different nouns depending on the type of advice being given.
- In some German regions, Stück is used in the phrase Stück für Stück to describe a slow, methodical process. This is the equivalent of the English phrase 'bit by bit'.
Examples in context
- Wie heißt das Stück?What's the name of that piece?The first example shows how to ask for the name of a Stück.Tatoeba #1839192 by Zaghawa, translation #687470 by lukaszpp
- Willst du ein Stück?Do you want a piece?The second example demonstrates an offer using the word Stück.Tatoeba #10900911 by Headfirst1745, translation #11188289 by sundown
- Dieses Stück ist in Dur.This piece is in a major key.The third example uses Stück to refer to a musical piece.Tatoeba #8787561 by Yorwba, translation #2763430 by sharptoothed
- Ich möchte ein Stück Kuchen, bitte.I would like a piece of cake, please.
- Das Gemälde besteht aus vielen kleinen Stücken.The painting consists of many small pieces.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Teil des Berichts weiterleiten?Could you please share a part of the report with me?
- Der letzte Abschnitt des Buches war besonders ergreifend.The final piece/section of the book was particularly moving.
- Hast du ein Stück Schokolade für mich?Do you have a piece of chocolate for me?
- Wir sollten noch ein Stück Kuchen essen.We should have another piece of cake.
- Ich hätte gerne zwei Teilchen aus der Bäckerei.I would like to have two pastries from the bakery.
- Ich habe ein Stück Käse gegessen.I ate a piece of cheese.
- Er hat ein Stück Geschichte geschrieben.He made a contribution to history.
- Die Reparatur kostet einen beträchtlichen Teil meines Gehalts.The repair costs a significant portion of my salary.
- Der Film wurde in fünf Abschnitten erzählt.The movie was told in five segments/pieces.
- Ich muss diese Informationen in kleine Schnipsel aufteilen.I need to divide this information into small pieces/fragments.
- 228 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are sharing a cake in a cafe.
- MaximilianMöchtest du noch ein Stück Kuchen?Would you like another piece of cake?
- LauraNein danke, ich bin satt.No thank you, I am full.
- MaximilianDas Stück war wirklich sehr lecker.The piece was really delicious.
- LauraJa, das stimmt, Maximilian.Yes, that is true, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “piece” translations and entries Stück, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Stück, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
