das Herzstück
centerpiece
The central, most important, or most valuable part of something. It is the core around which everything else revolves.
EXAMPLE
Der Motor ist das Herzstück dieses Autos.
The engine is the centerpiece of this car.
das Herzstück
centerpiece / heart
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Meanings
das Herzstück
heart meat
The heart of a slaughtered animal that is used as food.
EXAMPLE
Für das Ragout verwendete der Koch ein Herzstück vom Kalb.
For the ragout, the cook used a piece of veal heart.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Herz' (heart) and 'Stück' (piece). Just as the heart is the most important muscle in the body, 'Herzstück' (centerpiece/heart) describes the most important, central part of something.
EXAMPLE
Diese Maschine ist das Herzstück unserer Produktion.
This machine is the centerpiece of our production.
Sentence structure with genitive
To say what something is the centerpiece of, German usually uses the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). The genitive construction often sounds a bit more formal.
EXAMPLE
Der alte Marktplatz ist das Herzstück der Stadt.
The old market square is the heart of the city.
Typical combinations
In its figurative meaning, 'Herzstück' (centerpiece) is often used for the core of a collection, a company, an exhibition, or a strategy.
EXAMPLE
Das teuerste Gemälde bildet das Herzstück der Ausstellung.
The most expensive painting forms the centerpiece of the exhibition.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning 'heart of an animal' from the context. It is used almost only in cooking, in recipes, or at the butcher's.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Speisekarte stand ein Ragout vom Herzstück.
The menu featured a ragout made from heart meat.
Compare with
Herzstück vs Herz
heart
In cooking, Herz and Herzstück can refer to the same organ of an animal. Herz is the neutral term for the organ or ingredient, while Herzstück is specifically the culinary term for this food. Use Herz in general and Herzstück when the dish itself is the focus.
Herzstück
Für das Gericht wird das Herzstück des Tieres in kleine Stücke geschnitten.
For the dish, the animal's heart is cut into small pieces.
Herz
Für das Gericht wird das Herz des Tieres in kleine Stücke geschnitten.
For the dish, the animal's heart is cut into small pieces.
In real life
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