opus
Loading your saved state.
opus
An artistic work, especially a musical composition, often given a number in order to place it within the sequence of a composer's works.
Beethovens neunte Sinfonie ist sein Opus 125.
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is his Opus 125.
opus
Used figuratively and often slightly ironically for a very extensive, elaborate work, for example a long book or a complicated project.
Nach drei Jahren hat er sein Opus über die Geschichte der Gartenzwerge endlich fertiggestellt.
After three years, he has finally completed his opus on the history of garden gnomes.
'Opus' is a Latin word and means 'Werk' (work). It is used in many European languages for artistic or scholarly works.
Dieses Buch ist das wichtigste Opus des Autors.
This book is the author's most important opus.
In a musical context, 'Opus' is almost always combined with a number, the so-called opus number (abbreviation: op.). It is used to catalog a composer's works.
Chopins Nocturne op. 9 Nr. 2 ist weltberühmt.
Chopin's Nocturne op. 9 No. 2 is world-famous.
When 'Opus' is used for a non-artistic work such as a long report or a complicated project, this is often a humorous exaggeration. It emphasizes the great effort or complexity of the work.
Mein Kollege hat mir sein 300-seitiges Opus zur neuen Büroordnung geschickt.
My colleague sent me his 300-page opus on the new office rules.
piece
Stück and Opus can both refer to a musical creation. Stück is neutral and fits everyday conversations, while Opus sounds more elevated and is often linked to a work number. Stück fits a general concert announcement, while Opus is more suitable for an organized list of works.
Im Konzert spielen wir Beethovens Opus 27.
At the concert, we are playing Beethoven’s Opus 27.
Im Konzert spielen wir ein bekanntes Stück von Beethoven.
At the concert, we are playing a well-known piece by Beethoven.
