das Gegenstück
counterpart
A part, person, or thing that complements another, corresponds to it, or forms a pair with it.
EXAMPLE
Der linke Handschuh ist das Gegenstück zum rechten.
The left glove is the counterpart to the right one.
das Gegenstück
counterpart
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Meanings
das Gegenstück
opposite
A person or thing that represents a strong contrast to another; the exact opposite.
EXAMPLE
Sein ruhiger und bedachter Charakter ist das genaue Gegenstück zu ihrer impulsiven Art.
His calm and thoughtful character is the exact opposite of her impulsive nature.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'gegen' (against/opposite) and 'das Stück' (the piece). So it literally describes a 'piece that stands opposite another'—either as a complement or as a contrast.
EXAMPLE
Für das kaputte Scharnier brauchen wir das passende Gegenstück.
For the broken hinge, we need the matching counterpart.
Use with 'zu'
To say what something is the counterpart to, you use the preposition 'zu' followed by the dative. This construction is very common.
EXAMPLE
Dieses moderne Gebäude ist das Gegenstück zu den alten Fachwerkhäusern in der Straße.
This modern building is the counterpart to the old half-timbered houses on the street.
Context clue
When 'Gegenstück' describes a contrast or an opposite, it is often strengthened by adjectives such as 'genau' (exact) or 'direkt' (direct). If such a word is missing, it is often about a complement.
EXAMPLE
Ihr optimistischer Blick auf die Zukunft ist das genaue Gegenstück zu seinem Pessimismus.
Her optimistic view of the future is the exact opposite of his pessimism.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'complementary part', the word is often combined with verbs such as 'suchen' (to look for), 'finden' (to find), or 'fehlen' (to be missing). The adjective 'passend' (matching) is also very typical.
EXAMPLE
Mir fehlt das Gegenstück zu diesem Ohrring.
I'm missing the counterpart to this earring.
Compare with
Gegenstück vs Gegenteil
opposite
Gegenteil and Gegenstück can both express a strong contrast. Das Gegenteil is the conceptual opposite of a quality or meaning. A Gegenstück, by contrast, is a specific person or thing that appears in comparison with another as a strongly contrasting counterpart.
Gegenstück
Das ruhige Dorf ist das Gegenstück zur lauten Großstadt.
The quiet village is the counterpart to the noisy big city.
Gegenteil
Die völlige Ruhe im Dorf ist das Gegenteil vom Lärm der Großstadt.
The complete silence in the village is the opposite of the noise of the big city.
In real life
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