das Trio
trio
A group of three people who do something together, especially in the field of music or art.
EXAMPLE
Das Jazz-Trio bestand aus Klavier, Bass und Schlagzeug.
The jazz trio consisted of piano, bass, and drums.
das Trio
trio
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Meanings
das Trio
trio
A piece of music composed for three instruments or three singing voices.
EXAMPLE
Im Konzert wurde ein berühmtes Trio von Beethoven aufgeführt.
A famous trio by Beethoven was performed at the concert.
Usage tips
Number-based word family
'Trio' comes from the Latin word for 'three'. It belongs to an international word family for groups named after numbers, such as 'Duo' (duo/two), 'Quartett' (quartet/four), or 'Quintett' (quintet/five).
EXAMPLE
Aus dem Duo wurde ein Trio, als ein Bassist dazukam.
The duo became a trio when a bassist joined.
Typical collocations
As a group of three people, 'Trio' is often used in a musical context, e.g. 'Klaviertrio' (piano trio), 'Jazz-Trio' (jazz trio). But it can also refer to any other group of three people who belong closely together.
EXAMPLE
Das Trio trat jeden Freitagabend in der kleinen Bar auf.
The trio performed every Friday evening in the small bar.
Context clue
This meaning refers to the piece of music itself, not to the musicians. You can recognize it because the name of a composer is often mentioned or because it appears in the context of compositions and concert programs.
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester spielte ein wunderschönes Trio von Schubert.
The orchestra played a beautiful trio by Schubert.
Compare with
Trio vs Trias
Triassic / triad
Trio and Trias both refer to a group consisting of three parts. A Trio is usually a specific group of three people who act or perform together. Trias tends to refer to a closely connected group of three people or things and is often used for conceptual or specialist contexts.
Trio
Das Trio aus drei Musikern tritt heute Abend gemeinsam auf.
The trio of three musicians is performing together this evening.
Trias
Freiheit, Gleichheit und Solidarität bilden in seinem Vortrag eine wichtige Trias.
In his talk, freedom, equality, and solidarity form an important triad.
In real life
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