fragment
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fragment
A broken piece or a broken-off part of something that was originally whole, such as a vase, a statue, or a text.
Archäologen haben bei der Ausgrabung ein Fragment einer antiken Tonscherbe gefunden.
Archaeologists found a fragment of an ancient pottery shard during the excavation.
The adjective 'fragmentarisch' (fragmentary) is derived from the noun 'das Fragment' (fragment). It means 'unvollständig' (incomplete) or 'bruchstückhaft' (fragmentary).
Sein Wissen über dieses Thema ist leider nur fragmentarisch.
Unfortunately, his knowledge of this topic is only fragmentary.
'Fragment' is very often used in the construction 'ein Fragment von + dative' to say what it is a part of.
Das Museum stellt ein Fragment von einem alten Manuskript aus.
The museum is exhibiting a fragment of an old manuscript.
In the meaning 'Bruchstück' (broken piece), the word is often found in scientific contexts such as archaeology, paleontology, or art history.
Bei der Ausgrabung wurde ein Fragment einer römischen Amphore entdeckt.
A fragment of a Roman amphora was discovered during the excavation.
When referring to unfinished works, 'Fragment' is often combined with verbs such as 'erhalten sein' (to be preserved), 'überliefert sein' (to be passed down), or 'bleiben' (to remain).
Von dem berühmten Roman ist leider nur ein Fragment erhalten geblieben.
Unfortunately, only a fragment of the famous novel has been preserved.
piece
'das Stück' and 'das Fragment' can both mean a part of something. 'Stück' is general and neutral: it can simply be a piece of a whole. 'Fragment' is more precise when something is no longer whole or has only been preserved incompletely, for example a broken vase, an old text, or an unfinished piece of music. Learners may confuse the words because both point to a part. However, 'Fragment' usually emphasizes breakage or incompleteness. In everyday life, people more often say 'Stück'; in art, history, or literature, 'Fragment' sounds more natural.
Im Museum liegt ein Fragment einer alten Statue.
There is a fragment of an old statue in the museum.
Beim Aufräumen findet Maria ein Stück von der zerbrochenen Tasse.
While tidying up, Maria finds a piece of the broken cup.