01
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
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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 Gegensatz
opposite / contrast
'der Gegensatz' and 'das Gegenstück' can both describe something that stands in relation to something else. 'der Gegensatz' emphasizes the strong difference or the opposite. 'das Gegenstück' can also be an opposite, but often it means more of a matching part, a corresponding person, or a thing that forms a pair with something else. That is why the words can be confused. If you only mean the contrast, 'Gegensatz' is clearer. If something belongs with something else or corresponds to it, 'Gegenstück' fits better.
Gegenstück
Zu dieser linken Schraube fehlt noch das passende Gegenstück.
This left-hand screw is still missing its matching counterpart.
Gegensatz
Ben sieht einen starken Gegensatz zwischen dem teuren Hotel und dem einfachen Bahnhof.
Ben sees a strong contrast between the expensive hotel and the simple train station.
In real life
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