ingredient
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ingredient
One of the components, especially food items, used to prepare a particular dish.
Auf der Packung steht eine Liste mit allen Zutaten für die Soße.
There is a list of all the ingredients for the sauce on the package.
The prefix 'zu-' suggests that something is being added. A 'Zutat' (ingredient) is therefore a component that is added to a mixture or a dish.
Für diesen Kuchen brauchen wir noch einige spezielle Zutaten.
We still need a few special ingredients for this cake.
In the context of recipes and cooking, 'Zutat' (ingredient) is often combined with adjectives such as 'frisch' (fresh), 'natürlich' (natural), or 'geheim' (secret). Typical verbs are 'hinzufügen' (to add), 'vermischen' (to mix), or 'benötigen' (to need).
Für ein gutes Pesto braucht man nur wenige, aber hochwertige Zutaten.
For a good pesto, you need only a few but high-quality ingredients.
In a figurative sense, 'Zutat' (ingredient) describes a necessary component for something abstract. It is often used with 'für' + abstract noun, for example 'eine Zutat für den Erfolg' (an ingredient for success).
Eine gute Kommunikation ist eine wesentliche Zutat für jede Beziehung.
Good communication is an essential ingredient for any relationship.
element
'das Element' and 'die Zutat' can both mean a part of something larger. 'Element' is more general and fits many areas: a part of a plan, a system, an idea, or a design. 'Zutat' is used mainly in cooking for food items that a dish is made from. Figuratively, 'Zutat' can also mean an important contribution to success or atmosphere. The words can be confused because both mean 'component'. With food, 'Zutat' is almost always more natural; for general structures, 'Element' fits better.
Für die Suppe fehlt noch eine wichtige Zutat.
The soup is still missing an important ingredient.
Vertrauen ist ein wichtiges Element guter Zusammenarbeit.
Trust is an important element of good cooperation.