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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
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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
'das Herz' and 'das Herzstück' can both mean the most important or central part of something. 'das Herz' is more figurative and can describe the inner or most important area. 'das Herzstück' is more precise and emphasizes: this part is the core around which everything revolves. The words can be confused because both can mean more than just the organ. In many factual texts, 'Herzstück' sounds more natural when you mean the most important part of a project, plan, or device. 'Herz' fits better in figurative, more general phrasing.
Herzstück
Das Herzstück der neuen App ist ein einfacher Plan zum Vokabellernen.
The centerpiece of the new app is a simple plan for learning vocabulary.
Herz
Der kleine Platz ist das Herz der Altstadt.
The small square is the heart of the old town.
In real life
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