01
das Quartett
quartet
A group of four musicians or singers who make music together.
example
Das Streichquartett spielte ein Stück von Mozart.
The string quartet played a piece by Mozart.
das Quartett
quartet
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Quartett' (quartet) comes from the Latin numeral for 'four' (quartus). All meanings of the word therefore refer to a unit made up of four parts.
EXAMPLE
Ein Quartett aus vier Experten diskutierte das Thema im Fernsehen.
A quartet of four experts discussed the topic on television.
Music context clue
In a musical context, you can distinguish the meaning: Das Quartett (the group of musicians) plays ein Quartett (the composition). The verb makes the difference clear.
EXAMPLE
Das berühmte Amadeus-Quartett spielte gestern ein Quartett von Schubert.
The famous Amadeus Quartet played a quartet by Schubert yesterday.
Typical compounds
In music, 'Quartett' (quartet) is often used in compound words to describe the type of group. The most common form is 'das Streichquartett' (string quartet).
EXAMPLE
Sie singt in einem bekannten Vokalquartett.
She sings in a well-known vocal quartet.
The card game
As a card game, 'Quartett' (quartet) is usually used with the verb 'spielen' (to play). The theme of the game is often placed before it, e.g. 'Auto-Quartett spielen' (to play car quartet).
EXAMPLE
Früher habe ich mit meinem Bruder oft Flugzeug-Quartett gespielt.
I used to often play airplane quartet with my brother.
Stylistic nuance
When any group of four people is referred to as a 'Quartett' (quartet), it often sounds somewhat elevated or emphasizes the group's cohesion.
EXAMPLE
Das Quartett der Parteivorsitzenden traf sich zu einer Krisensitzung.
The quartet of party leaders met for a crisis meeting.
Compare with
Quartett vs Band
band
'die Band' and 'das Quartett' can both mean a group of musicians. The most important difference is the size and often also the musical style. A band can consist of different numbers of people and fits especially with pop, rock, or jazz. A quartet consists of exactly four musicians or singers and often sounds a bit more classical or more precise. Learners may confuse the words because both groups make music together. If the number four is important, 'Quartett' is more precise. If you are talking generally about a modern music group, 'Band' is more natural.
Quartett
Das Quartett hat gestern ein ruhiges Stück für zwei Geigen, Bratsche und Cello gespielt.
Yesterday, the quartet played a quiet piece for two violins, viola, and cello.
Band
Wegen des Wetters probt die Band heute in der Schule statt im Park.
Because of the weather, the band is rehearsing at school today instead of in the park.
In real life
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