01
die Komposition
composition
A created work, especially a piece of music.
example
Der Pianist spielte eine berühmte Komposition von Mozart.
The pianist played a famous composition by Mozart.
die Komposition
composition
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Komposition' (composition) belongs to the word family of 'komponieren' (the verb for creating a piece of music) and 'der Komponist' (the person who composes). Recognizing this family helps with understanding.
EXAMPLE
Beethoven hat viele berühmte Sinfonien komponiert.
Beethoven composed many famous symphonies.
Context clue
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'Komposition' (composition) from the context. If it is about music, it means a piece of music. In the context of art or photography, it refers to the structure. With products or chemistry, it means the makeup or composition.
EXAMPLE
Im Radio lief eine wunderschöne klassische Komposition.
A beautiful classical composition was playing on the radio.
Typical verbs
When 'Komposition' (composition) refers to a piece of music, it is often combined with verbs such as 'spielen' (to play), 'hören' (to hear/listen to), 'schreiben' (to write), or 'schaffen' (to create).
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester spielte eine moderne Komposition.
The orchestra played a modern composition.
Compare with
Komposition vs Musik
music
'die Musik' and 'die Komposition' can both mean a musical work. However, 'Musik' is much more general and is used in everyday life for anything you hear, play, or like. 'Komposition' emphasizes that someone has created and structured a piece of music. The word sounds more precise and somewhat more technical. They can be confused when talking about a single work. For normal listening, you usually say 'Musik'. When the focus is on the work as a created piece, especially in art or in class, 'Komposition' fits better.
Komposition
Nach der Nachricht arbeitete der Musiker weiter an seiner neuen Komposition.
After the news, the musician continued working on his new composition.
Musik
Ich habe im Krankenhaus leise Musik gehört, um mich zu beruhigen.
I listened to quiet music in the hospital to calm myself down.
In real life
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