01
komponieren
to compose
To create a musical work by combining notes, harmonies, and rhythms into a structure.
example
Mozart begann schon als Kind, seine ersten Stücke zu komponieren.
Mozart began composing his first pieces as a child.
komponieren
to compose
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb comes from the Latin 'componere', which means 'to put together'. This basic idea of artful combining appears in all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Der Parfümeur komponiert aus verschiedenen Düften ein neues Parfüm.
The perfumer composes a new perfume from various scents.
Word family
The word family includes 'der Komponist' (the composer, the person who writes music) and 'die Komposition' (the composition, the written work). All the words refer to the creation of a work.
EXAMPLE
Beethoven ist einer der berühmtesten Komponisten der Welt.
Beethoven is one of the most famous composers in the world.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'komponieren' (to compose) is connected with musical works. You can compose 'ein Lied' (a song), 'eine Oper' (an opera), 'eine Sinfonie' (a symphony), or simply 'Musik' (music).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Musik für den neuen Kinofilm komponiert.
He composed the music for the new feature film.
Context clue
You can tell from the object whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If it is about music, the main meaning is intended. With objects like 'ein Menü' (a menu), 'ein Outfit' (an outfit), or 'ein Bild' (a picture), the transferred meaning of artful arrangement is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Innenarchitektin hat die Farben im Raum perfekt komponiert.
The interior designer composed the colors in the room perfectly.
Figurative use
Using 'komponieren' (to compose) for non-musical things is figurative and belongs to an elevated, poetic style of language. It emphasizes the skill and care involved in putting something together.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter komponierte seine Verse mit großer Sorgfalt.
The poet composed his verses with great care.
Compare with
komponieren vs schreiben
to write
'schreiben' and 'komponieren' can both have to do with creative work. 'schreiben' is used for texts, such as stories, letters, or song lyrics. 'komponieren' is used for music, meaning melodies, rhythms, and entire pieces of music. The words can be confused when talking about songs. You write the lyrics of a song, but you compose the music. When you are talking about a text in general, 'schreiben' is correct; when it is about a musical work, 'komponieren' is more precise.
komponieren
Paul komponiert am Klavier eine Melodie für das neue Lied.
Paul is composing a melody for the new song on the piano.
schreiben
Für das Schulfest schreiben wir heute einen kurzen Liedtext.
For the school festival, we are writing short song lyrics today.
In real life
Loading video examples...