major work
Loading your saved state.
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
Both words can refer to a very significant work by an artist. Meisterwerk primarily evaluates the work's exceptional artistic quality, while Hauptwerk refers to its central or most important place in the artist's overall body of work. Use Meisterwerk for quality and Hauptwerk for a work's position within an artist's oeuvre.
Dieser Roman gilt als das Hauptwerk der Schriftstellerin, weil er den Höhepunkt ihres Schaffens bildet.
This novel is regarded as the writer's major work because it represents the peak of her creative output.
Die Kritiker halten diesen Roman wegen seiner vollendeten Sprache für ein Meisterwerk.
Because of its polished language, critics consider this novel a masterpiece.
