part / role
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role / part
The role of a character in a play, film, or opera. It can also refer to the musical or dance part of an individual person in a performance.
Er hat den Part des Bösewichts im neuen Kinofilm übernommen.
He took on the role of the villain in the new movie.
The meaning of 'Part' becomes clear from the context. If it is about theater, film, or music, it means the role. If it is about work, projects, or tasks, it means someone's share of something.
Sie singt den schwierigsten Part in der Oper.
She sings the most difficult part in the opera.
In an artistic context, 'Part' is often combined with verbs like 'spielen' (to play), 'singen' (to sing), 'tanzen' (to dance), or 'übernehmen' (to take on). For example, you can have a 'Gesangspart' (singing part) or a 'Sprechpart' (speaking part).
Der Schauspieler lernte seinen Part für das neue Stück.
The actor learned his part for the new play.
When it is about a share or contribution, typical phrases are 'seinen Part erledigen' (to do one's part), 'den schwierigen Part übernehmen' (to take on the difficult part), or 'der kreative Part von etwas sein' (to be the creative part of something).
Jeder im Team muss seinen Part zum Erfolg beitragen.
Everyone on the team has to contribute their part to the success.
part
'der Teil' and 'der Part' can both mean a section or share of something larger. 'Teil' is the general word and fits in many situations: a part of a text, a plan, or an object. 'Part' sounds more specific and is often used for a role in theater, film, or music, or for a particular share of a task. Learners may confuse the words because 'Part' sometimes means something like 'Teil'. In everyday language, 'Teil' is usually more natural; 'Part' fits better when talking about roles, performances, or clearly assigned tasks.
Im Projekt hat Anna den Part übernommen, die Kunden anzurufen.
In the project, Anna took on the part of calling the customers.
Wir räumen heute nur einen Teil der Wohnung auf.
Today we're only cleaning part of the apartment.