centerpiece / core component
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centerpiece
The most important, central, or essential part of a whole, often in a figurative sense. It is the element that forms the core of the matter or on which everything else is based.
Die Forschungsabteilung ist das Kernstück des Unternehmens.
The research department is the centerpiece of the company.
The word is made up of 'der Kern' (the core) and 'das Stück' (the piece). It literally means 'the piece that forms the core' and therefore describes the most central and important part of something.
Der Motor ist das Kernstück eines jeden Autos.
The engine is the core component of every car.
'Kernstück' (centerpiece/core component) is very often used in the structure 'X ist das Kernstück von Y' (X is the centerpiece of Y). Typical verbs in this pattern are 'sein' (to be), 'bilden' (to form), and 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute).
Diese These bildet das Kernstück seiner Argumentation.
This thesis forms the centerpiece of his argument.
The word can be used both for concrete, physical objects and for abstract concepts. When it is about machines or buildings, it refers to a component. When it is about plans, ideas, or organizations, it should be understood figuratively.
Der Prozessor ist das Kernstück des Computers.
The processor is the core component of the computer.
center
'das Zentrum' and 'das Kernstück' can both point to the most important or central part of something. 'Zentrum' tends to mean the middle or the point around which something revolves. 'Kernstück' means the essential part of a whole, that is, the part without which the thing does not really work. The words can be confused when the topic is importance. As a simple guide: 'Zentrum' fits for a place, the middle, or attention; 'Kernstück' fits for the decisive component of a plan, project, or object.
Das Kernstück des neuen Konzepts ist ein besserer Service für Kunden.
The centerpiece of the new concept is better service for customers.
Im Zentrum der Diskussion steht die Frage nach den Kosten.
At the center of the discussion is the question of costs.