major work
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major work
The most important, most significant, or best-known work of an artist, writer, or composer. It is often regarded as the high point of their creative output.
'Faust' gilt als das Hauptwerk von Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
'Faust' is considered the major work of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
The word is made up of 'Haupt' (main) and 'Werk' (work). Here, 'Haupt' means 'most important' or 'central', so 'das Hauptwerk' (the major work) is literally the 'most important work'.
Dieses Gemälde wird als das Hauptwerk des Künstlers betrachtet.
This painting is regarded as the artist's major work.
To name the creator of the work, the genitive is often used, or the preposition 'von' (of/by). Both forms are correct and common.
Beethovens Neunte Symphonie ist eines seiner Hauptwerke.
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is one of his major works.
'Hauptwerk' (major work) is often used with verbs such as 'gelten als' (to be considered) or 'betrachtet werden als' (to be regarded as) to describe its status.
Der Roman gilt als ihr unbestrittenes Hauptwerk.
The novel is considered her undisputed major work.
masterpiece
'Meisterwerk' and 'Hauptwerk' can both refer to a very important work by an artist, writer, or composer. 'Meisterwerk' mainly emphasizes special quality: the work is exceptionally well made. 'Hauptwerk' emphasizes its importance within a person's overall body of work: it is their most important or best-known work. A 'Hauptwerk' is often very significant, but the word does not judge quality as strongly as 'Meisterwerk'. Learners may confuse the words because a work can be both. If you want to praise something, use 'Meisterwerk' more often; if you mean its role in a life's work, use 'Hauptwerk' more often.
Im Literaturkurs sprechen wir über das Hauptwerk der Autorin.
In the literature course, we are discussing the author's major work.
Viele Besucher halten dieses Gemälde für ein echtes Meisterwerk.
Many visitors consider this painting a true masterpiece.