composition
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composition
The way something consists of different parts, substances, or elements; the composition.
Die genaue Zusammensetzung der Legierung wird vom Hersteller geheim gehalten.
The exact composition of the alloy is kept secret by the manufacturer.
composition
The totality of the people who form a group, committee, or team.
Die Zusammensetzung der neuen Regierungskommission wurde kritisiert.
The composition of the new government commission was criticized.
The word is derived from the separable verb 'zusammensetzen' (to put together/compose). It describes the result of 'setting' (setzen) different parts 'together' (zusammen) in their place.
Die Kinder lernen, wie man einfache Sätze zusammensetzt.
The children are learning how to put together simple sentences.
The ending '-ung' shows that this word is derived from the verb 'zusammensetzen' (to put together/compose). Nouns with this ending are always feminine ('die Zusammensetzung').
Die Zusammensetzung des neuen Medikaments ist geheim.
The composition of the new medication is secret.
In this meaning, it is about the components of materials. Typical contexts are chemistry, food, or medications. The preposition 'von' (of) or 'aus' (from/made of) is often used to name the components.
Auf der Verpackung steht die genaue Zusammensetzung des Produkts.
The exact composition of the product is written on the packaging.
When it is about groups of people, the word describes the members. Typical examples are the composition of 'einer Mannschaft' (a team), 'einer Regierung' (a government), or 'eines Komitees' (a committee).
Die neue Zusammensetzung des Teams verspricht mehr Erfolg.
The new composition of the team promises more success.
structure / assembly
Both words can describe how a complex whole consists of parts. Aufbau mainly describes the organization and arrangement of those parts, while Zusammensetzung describes what they are made of and the proportions of the components. So ask yourself whether you want to describe the structure or the components it contains.
Die Zusammensetzung der Mischung zeigt, welche Stoffe und Anteile sie enthält.
The composition of the mixture shows which substances and proportions it contains.
Der Aufbau des Geräts zeigt, wie seine einzelnen Teile angeordnet sind.
The structure of the device shows how its individual parts are arranged.
