01
das Duett
duet
A piece of music composed for two singers or two instruments and performed by them together.
example
Die beiden Sopranistinnen sangen ein wunderschönes Duett von Mozart.
The two sopranos sang a beautiful duet by Mozart.
das Duett
duet
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from the Italian 'duetto', which derives from 'due' (two). This origin helps you remember that it always involves two people or voices.
EXAMPLE
Das Klavierstück ist als Duett für vier Hände geschrieben.
The piano piece is written as a duet for four hands.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about music, instruments, or singing, the musical meaning is intended. In all other contexts, such as cooking or sports, it is the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Stürmer bildeten ein gefährliches Duett vor dem gegnerischen Tor.
The two forwards formed a dangerous duet in front of the opposing goal.
Typical verbs
In a musical context, 'Duett' (duet) is often combined with the verbs 'singen' (to sing), 'spielen' (to play), or 'aufführen' (to perform).
EXAMPLE
Die Geschwister spielten auf der Familienfeier ein Duett am Klavier.
The siblings played a duet on the piano at the family celebration.
Figurative meaning
This meaning is used metaphorically for any activity in which two people work closely and harmoniously together. It emphasizes the good coordination between the two.
EXAMPLE
Das Moderatoren-Duo ist für seine witzigen Duette im Fernsehen bekannt.
The presenter duo is known for its witty duets on television.
Compare with
Duett vs solo
solo
'solo' and 'das Duett' are opposites especially in music. 'solo' means that one person sings, plays, or performs alone. 'Ein Duett', by contrast, is a piece or performance by two people together. Outside of music too, 'solo' can mean that someone does something alone, while 'Duett' is more often used figuratively for two people working well together. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur in the context of performances. The simple guide is: 'solo' = one person alone, 'Duett' = two people together.
Duett
Vor dem Publikum spielten die beiden Schülerinnen ein ruhiges Duett.
In front of the audience, the two schoolgirls played a calm duet.
solo
Im zweiten Lied singt Paul solo auf der Bühne.
In the second song, Paul sings solo on stage.
In real life
Loading video examples...