At the A1 beginner level, your primary focus with the word 'Stück' is entirely practical and transactional. You are learning how to survive and communicate basic needs in a German-speaking environment. The most important application for you right now is ordering food and buying items. When you go to a bakery, a café, or a market, 'Stück' is your best friend. You will learn to say 'Ich möchte ein Stück Kuchen, bitte' (I would like a piece of cake, please) or 'Zwei Stück Pizza' (Two pieces of pizza). At this stage, you must memorize that 'Stück' is a neuter noun, so it takes the article 'das' (das Stück) or 'ein' (ein Stück). The most crucial grammar rule you will learn here is that when you use 'Stück' after a number to order multiple things, you do not change the word. You say 'drei Stück', never 'drei Stücke'. This makes it wonderfully easy for beginners because you don't have to worry about plural endings when ordering! You will also learn that you don't need the word 'of' (von) between 'Stück' and the food. Just put them together: 'ein Stück Brot'. Mastering this simple noun will give you the confidence to interact in shops and restaurants without hesitation.
As you progress to the A2 level, your understanding of 'Stück' expands beyond just ordering food. You start to see how this word is used to describe everyday situations and physical objects breaking or being divided. You will learn the actual plural form, 'die Stücke', and when to use it. For example, if you drop a plate, you can now say 'Der Teller ist in viele Stücke zerbrochen' (The plate broke into many pieces). You will also start encountering compound nouns where 'Stück' is the base word. Words like 'das Frühstück' (breakfast - literally 'early piece') will make more sense to you now. You will begin to use 'Stück' to talk about distance in a basic way, such as 'Wir gehen noch ein Stück' (We will walk a bit further). Additionally, you will start noticing the abbreviation 'Stk.' on price tags in supermarkets, helping you understand that a price is per item rather than per kilogram. At A2, 'Stück' transitions from a mere ordering tool to a descriptive word that helps you explain the physical state of objects and basic quantities in your daily life.
At the B1 intermediate level, 'Stück' becomes a bridge to more abstract and cultural conversations. You are no longer just talking about cake and broken plates; you are discussing arts, entertainment, and processes. A major milestone at B1 is using 'Stück' to refer to a theatrical play (das Theaterstück) or a musical composition (das Musikstück). You can now say, 'Das Stück, das wir gestern im Theater gesehen haben, war sehr interessant' (The play we saw in the theater yesterday was very interesting). You will also learn highly useful adverbial phrases like 'Stück für Stück' (piece by piece / step by step), which allows you to describe how a task is completed gradually. For example: 'Ich lerne die deutsche Grammatik Stück für Stück' (I am learning German grammar piece by piece). Furthermore, you will encounter idioms like 'am Stück', meaning continuously or without a break: 'Ich habe drei Stunden am Stück gelernt' (I studied for three hours straight). At this level, your vocabulary is becoming more nuanced, and 'Stück' is a key component in expressing continuous actions and cultural experiences.
Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you are refining your precision and exploring the emotional and idiomatic depth of the German language. With 'Stück', you will delve into more complex compound nouns and metaphorical expressions. You will use words like 'das Meisterstück' (masterpiece) or 'das Fundstück' (found object/discovery). You will also learn to differentiate strictly between 'Stück' and similar words like 'Teil' (part) or 'Scheibe' (slice), knowing exactly when a component is a 'Teil' of a machine versus a 'Stück' of material. At B2, you will encounter the phrase 'große Stücke auf jemanden halten', a common idiom meaning to think highly of someone. You can say, 'Mein Chef hält große Stücke auf mich' (My boss thinks highly of me). You will also use 'Stück' to describe abstract concepts like 'ein Stück Arbeit' (a piece of work / a tough job) or 'ein Stück Freiheit' (a piece of freedom). Your ability to use 'Stück' in these figurative contexts demonstrates a significant leap in your fluency and your ability to sound like a native speaker.
At the C1 advanced level, your use of 'Stück' is sophisticated, effortless, and deeply integrated into complex sentence structures. You are comfortable with highly idiomatic, regional, and literary uses of the word. You understand the subtle irony or emphasis when someone says 'Das ist vielleicht ein Stück Arbeit!' (That is quite a piece of work!). You will encounter and actively use specialized compounds in professional or academic settings, such as 'das Aktenstück' (document/file) or 'das Beweisstück' (piece of evidence) in legal contexts. You are fully aware of the historical and cultural weight of certain terms, like 'das Glanzstück' (highlight/crowning achievement). At this level, you can play with the language, perhaps using 'Stück' in a diminutive form 'Stückchen' to downplay something or show affection: 'Rück mal ein Stückchen rüber' (Scoot over a little bit). Your mastery of 'Stück' at C1 shows that you understand the rhythm and the unwritten rules of German phrasing, allowing you to express complex thoughts, professional arguments, and subtle emotions with absolute precision.
At the C2 mastery level, your comprehension and application of 'Stück' are indistinguishable from an educated native speaker. You grasp the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the word, understanding how it relates to the verb 'stechen' (to prick/stab - historically referring to something cut off). You can effortlessly navigate classic German literature, recognizing poetic or archaic uses of 'Stück'. In high-level academic or philosophical discourse, you might discuss 'ein Stück weit' (to a certain extent), a phrase heavily used in modern German political and intellectual debates to express partial agreement or limited scope: 'Ich kann Ihren Argumenten ein Stück weit folgen' (I can follow your arguments to a certain extent). You manipulate the language creatively, inventing your own compound nouns with 'Stück' when necessary, knowing perfectly well that the linguistic structure of German supports this. At C2, 'Stück' is not just vocabulary; it is a fundamental structural element of your German expression, allowing you to articulate the most nuanced, abstract, and culturally embedded concepts with absolute authority and elegance.

Stück em 30 segundos

  • A piece or slice of food.
  • An individual item for counting.
  • A theatrical play or musical work.
  • A distance or amount of progress.
The German word Stück is an incredibly versatile and fundamental noun that every learner encounters early in their language journey. At its most basic level, it translates to piece, slice, or item in English. However, its usage extends far beyond simply cutting a cake or a loaf of bread. Understanding Stück is essential because it serves as both a descriptive noun for fragments of a whole and a standard unit of measurement in everyday German commerce and conversation. When you walk into a German bakery, you do not just ask for cake; you ask for ein Stück Kuchen. This physical representation of a portion is the most common A1-level application. But as you progress, you will discover that Stück also applies to abstract concepts, artistic creations, and even distances. For instance, a theatrical play is called ein Theaterstück, and a musical composition is ein Musikstück. The word is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of German-speaking countries, reflecting a society that values precision, categorization, and clear boundaries.
Physical Portions
Used to describe a severed or separated part of a larger whole, such as food, material, or land.

Ich hätte gerne ein Stück von diesem Schokoladenkuchen, bitte.

Beyond food, Stück is used for items that are counted individually. If you are buying bread rolls, you might see a price per Stück (per item). This makes it a crucial vocabulary word for shopping, trading, and inventory.
Artistic Works
Refers to a complete, standalone work of art, particularly in performing arts and music.

Das neue Stück im Nationaltheater hat hervorragende Kritiken erhalten.

The transition from a physical piece to an artistic piece is fascinating. In English, we also say a piece of music, so this semantic bridge is relatively easy for English speakers to cross. However, in German, the word stands alone more frequently to mean a play. If someone asks 'Wie war das Stück?', they are almost certainly asking about the theatrical performance you just attended.

Der Pianist spielte ein sehr schwieriges Stück von Beethoven.

Furthermore, Stück can denote a distance or a segment of a journey. If you are giving directions, you might tell someone to walk ein gutes Stück (a good distance) down the road. This spatial application highlights the word's flexibility in slicing up not just physical matter, but also space and time.
Distance and Progress
Used metaphorically to describe a portion of a path, a phase of a project, or an amount of effort.

Wir müssen noch ein ganzes Stück laufen, bis wir den Gipfel erreichen.

Finally, it is important to recognize the emotional or qualitative compounds formed with this word. A Goldstück literally means a piece of gold, but it is frequently used as a term of endearment for a very helpful or sweet person. Similarly, a Meisterstück is a masterpiece. By mastering the word Stück, you unlock a massive vocabulary of compound nouns that describe the world in manageable, bite-sized portions.

Mein kleiner Hund ist ein echtes Goldstück, er macht mich jeden Tag glücklich.

In summary, whether you are eating, shopping, navigating, or enjoying the arts, this single syllable is an indispensable tool in your German vocabulary arsenal. Its consistent neuter gender (das) and predictable plural (die Stücke) make it structurally friendly for beginners, while its vast array of meanings provides endless utility for advanced speakers.
Using the word Stück correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its dual nature as both a standard noun and a unit of measurement. This distinction is the most critical grammatical feature you must master. When Stück is used as a regular noun referring to specific, individual pieces of something, it behaves like any other German noun. It has a plural form, Stücke, which is used when talking about multiple distinct fragments. For example, if a vase falls and shatters, you would talk about the broken pieces using the plural form.
Regular Noun Usage
When referring to distinct, separate fragments or individual artistic works, use the plural 'Stücke'.

Die Vase fiel auf den Boden und zerbrach in tausend Stücke.

However, the rules change entirely when Stück is used as a unit of measurement or quantity. In German, masculine and neuter nouns used as units of measurement do not take a plural ending after a number. This is a very common pattern (think of 'zwei Glas Wasser' instead of 'Gläser'). Therefore, when you are ordering food or buying items by the piece, you must use the singular form even if the number is greater than one.
Measurement Usage
When following a number to indicate quantity, the word remains in the singular form 'Stück'.

Ich möchte bitte drei Stück von diesem leckeren Apfelkuchen.

This measurement rule applies universally in commerce. If you are buying batteries, the package might say '10 Stück'. If you are asking how many apples are left, someone might reply 'nur noch fünf Stück'. It is a highly efficient way of communicating quantity without needing to repeat the specific noun being counted.

Wir haben noch zwanzig Stück auf Lager, das sollte für heute reichen.

Another important syntactical structure involves the preposition 'von' (of/from). While in English we say 'a piece of cake', in German, the noun often follows directly without a preposition: 'ein Stück Kuchen'. The two nouns sit next to each other in what is called an apposition. You do not say 'ein Stück von Kuchen' unless you are referring to a specific, previously mentioned cake ('ein Stück von dem Kuchen').
Apposition
Place the measured substance directly after 'Stück' without any preposition or genitive case in modern everyday German.

Er gab mir ein großes Stück Papier, damit ich zeichnen konnte.

Finally, let us look at how it functions in common idioms and phrases. The phrase 'Stück für Stück' functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing how an action is performed. 'Wir arbeiten uns Stück für Stück voran' (We are working our way forward piece by piece). This shows how a simple noun can transform into a descriptive tool for processes and actions, proving its immense value in sentence construction.

Sie hat das Puzzle Stück für Stück zusammengesetzt, bis es fertig war.

Mastering these sentence patterns will immediately elevate your German from sounding translated to sounding natural and authentic.
If you spend even a single day in a German-speaking country, it is practically guaranteed that you will hear the word Stück multiple times. Its prevalence is due to its necessity in everyday transactions, social interactions, and cultural activities. The most iconic and frequent location to hear this word is undoubtedly the German Bäckerei (bakery). Germany has a world-renowned bread and cake culture, and the bakery is a daily stop for millions. When standing in front of the glass display case filled with tortes, cheesecakes, and fruit tarts, the standard way to order is by the piece.
The Bakery Context
The primary setting for ordering slices of cakes, tarts, and pastries using the measurement form.

Guten Tag, ich nehme zwei Stück von dem Käsekuchen und ein Brot.

Beyond the bakery, the butcher shop (Metzgerei) and the local market (Wochenmarkt) are prime locations. While meat is often sold by weight (Gramm or Kilo), certain items like sausages, meatballs (Frikadellen), or specialized cuts might be sold by the piece. Vendors will frequently ask if you want 'am Stück' (in one whole piece) or 'in Scheiben' (sliced). This is a crucial distinction when buying cheese or cold cuts.

Möchten Sie den Käse am Stück oder lieber in Scheiben geschnitten?

Retail and Inventory
Used on price tags and in inventory management to denote the price per individual item.
In supermarkets and retail stores, you will constantly see the abbreviation 'Stk.' on price tags. This stands for Stück and indicates that the price listed is per item, not per kilogram or liter. For example, a tag might read 'Avocado: 1,50€ / Stk.'. Understanding this abbreviation is vital for budgeting and shopping correctly in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.

Auf dem Preisschild stand, dass die Melonen drei Euro pro Stück kosten.

Moving away from commerce, the cultural sector is another major domain for this word. Germany has a rich tradition of theater and classical music. When discussing weekend plans, friends might talk about going to see a new play. In this context, the word is elevated from a mere fragment to a complete work of art.
Arts and Culture
The standard term for a theatrical play or a musical composition in conversational German.

Wir haben gestern Abend ein fantastisches Stück von Shakespeare gesehen.

Finally, in everyday casual conversation, you will hear it used to describe distance or effort. 'Es ist noch ein gutes Stück' is a phrase you will hear on hiking trails in the Alps or when asking for directions in Berlin. The word permeates every level of society, from the mundane act of buying groceries to the high culture of the opera house, making it a truly ubiquitous element of the German language.

Bis zum Bahnhof ist es noch ein ganzes Stück, wir sollten uns beeilen.

Even though Stück is introduced early in German language courses, it is a frequent source of errors for learners, primarily due to its dual function and its translation overlap with other German words. The single most common mistake English speakers make is confusing the plural forms when using it as a unit of measurement. Because English requires the plural (e.g., 'two pieces of cake'), learners instinctively translate this to 'zwei Stücke Kuchen'. This sounds immediately foreign to a native speaker.
The Measurement Plural Error
Adding an 'e' to make it plural when it follows a number to indicate quantity.

FALSCH: Ich möchte drei Stücke Pizza.
RICHTIG: Ich möchte drei Stück Pizza.

Another major area of confusion is choosing between Stück and Teil. Both translate to 'piece' or 'part' in English, but they are not interchangeable. A Stück is typically a piece that has been separated from a whole (like a slice of cake) or an individual item in a set. A Teil, on the other hand, is a functional component or an integral part of a larger structure (like a car part or a part of a story).
Stück vs. Teil
Using 'Stück' when referring to a functional component of a machine or system.

FALSCH: Mir fehlt ein Stück für meinen Motor.
RICHTIG: Mir fehlt ein Teil für meinen Motor.

Learners also struggle with the preposition that follows. In English, we say 'a piece OF cake'. Direct translation leads to 'ein Stück von Kuchen'. While 'von' is used in German, it is generally omitted in everyday speech when specifying the material or food. The two nouns should simply stand next to each other.

FALSCH: Er isst ein Stück von Brot.
RICHTIG: Er isst ein Stück Brot.

Gender mistakes are also prevalent. Because the word ends in a hard consonant, some learners guess that it is masculine (der Stück). It is strictly neuter (das Stück). Getting the gender wrong leads to incorrect adjective endings, such as saying 'ein großer Stück' instead of the correct 'ein großes Stück'.
Gender Agreement
Failing to use neuter articles and adjective endings.

FALSCH: Gib mir bitte einen Stück.
RICHTIG: Gib mir bitte ein Stück.

Finally, a subtle but common error involves the idiom 'am Stück'. This means 'in one piece' or 'consecutively'. Learners sometimes try to translate 'in one piece' literally as 'in einem Stück', which is understandable but less idiomatic than 'am Stück' when referring to food or uninterrupted time.

Ich habe zehn Stunden am Stück geschlafen, weil ich so müde war.

By being aware of these specific pitfalls, you can drastically improve the natural flow and grammatical accuracy of your German.
The German language is famous for its precision, which means there are several words that translate to 'piece' or 'part' in English, but each has a specific nuance. Knowing when to use Stück versus its alternatives is a hallmark of an advanced speaker. The most prominent alternative, as mentioned previously, is 'das Teil'. While Stück is a severed portion or an individual item, Teil implies a component that belongs to a larger, structured whole.
Das Teil
A part or component of a machine, system, or abstract concept.

Dieses Ersatzteil ist schwer zu finden, aber das Stück Kuchen war leicht zu essen.

Another common alternative is 'die Scheibe'. This translates specifically to 'slice'. While you can say 'ein Stück Brot' (a piece of bread), if you specifically mean a flat, cut slice, 'eine Scheibe Brot' is much more accurate. This applies to bread, cheese, sausage, and even glass (eine Fensterscheibe).
Die Scheibe
A flat, thin slice of something, usually food or glass.

Können Sie mir bitte drei Scheiben Käse und ein Stück Butter geben?

For very small pieces, crumbs, or fragments, you might use 'der Brocken' or 'der Krümel'. A Brocken is a chunk or a large, irregular piece, often used for rocks or heavy materials (ein Felsbrocken). A Krümel is a tiny crumb, usually of baked goods.

Er hat das ganze Stück Kuchen gegessen und keinen einzigen Krümel übrig gelassen.

When talking about copies of a book, magazine, or document, the word 'das Exemplar' is used instead of Stück. While a warehouse might count 100 Stück of a toy, a publisher prints 100 Exemplare of a book.
Das Exemplar
A copy or specimen, specifically used for printed materials or biological samples.

Ich habe das letzte Exemplar dieses Buches gekauft, es war ein echtes Glücksstück.

Finally, for abstract amounts, 'ein bisschen' (a little bit) is incredibly common. While 'ein Stück' implies a defined portion, 'ein bisschen' is an undefined, small quantity. You would say 'ein bisschen Zeit' (a little time), not 'ein Stück Zeit'. Understanding these nuances allows you to express yourself with the exactitude that native German speakers appreciate.

Ich brauche nur ein bisschen Hilfe, um dieses schwere Stück Holz zu tragen.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The German word for breakfast, 'Frühstück', literally translates to 'early piece'. It originally referred to the piece of bread eaten early in the morning before starting work.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ʃtʏk/
US /ʃtʏk/
The word is only one syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.
Rima com
Glück zurück Blick Trick dick Schick Klick Tick
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'S' as an 's' instead of 'sh'. In German, 'st' at the beginning of a word is pronounced 'sht'.
  • Pronouncing the 'ü' as an English 'u' (like in 'luck'). It must be rounded.
  • Making the vowel long. It is a short, clipped vowel sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize. Appears constantly in basic texts and menus.

Escrita 2/5

Easy to write, but remembering the neuter gender (das) and when NOT to use the plural takes practice.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation requires the 'sht' sound and the rounded 'ü', which can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 1/5

Short, punchy, and frequently stressed in sentences. Easy to hear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

ein das Kuchen Brot Pizza

Aprenda a seguir

das Teil die Scheibe das bisschen die Portion das Exemplar

Avançado

das Fragment der Brocken das Aktenstück das Meisterstück das Grundstück

Gramática essencial

Measurement Nouns without Plural

drei Stück (not drei Stücke)

Apposition (No Preposition)

ein Stück Kuchen (not ein Stück von Kuchen)

Diminutive Forms (-chen)

das Stückchen (the little piece)

Neuter Noun Adjective Endings

ein großes Stück (nominative/accusative)

Compound Noun Gender Rule (Last word determines gender)

das Theater + das Stück = das Theaterstück

Exemplos por nível

1

Ich möchte ein Stück Kuchen.

I would like a piece of cake.

'ein Stück' is neuter. No preposition is needed before 'Kuchen'.

2

Das ist ein großes Stück Pizza.

That is a big piece of pizza.

Adjective ending 'es' for neuter noun 'Stück'.

3

Bitte zwei Stück Brot.

Two pieces of bread, please.

'Stück' does not take a plural 'e' when used as a measurement after a number.

4

Ein Stück kostet zwei Euro.

One piece costs two euros.

'Ein Stück' acts as the subject of the sentence.

5

Ich esse ein Stück Schokolade.

I am eating a piece of chocolate.

Direct object in the accusative case, but 'ein Stück' looks the same as nominative.

6

Gib mir bitte ein Stück Papier.

Please give me a piece of paper.

Imperative sentence using 'ein Stück' as the object.

7

Wir haben noch fünf Stück.

We still have five pieces.

Using 'Stück' to count remaining items without naming the item again.

8

Das Stück ist sehr lecker.

The piece is very tasty.

Using the definite article 'Das' for a specific piece.

1

Die Tasse ist in viele Stücke zerbrochen.

The cup broke into many pieces.

Here 'Stücke' is used in the plural because it refers to physical fragments, not a measurement.

2

Wir gehen noch ein kurzes Stück.

We will walk a short distance further.

'Stück' used metaphorically to mean a distance.

3

Schneide das Fleisch in kleine Stücke.

Cut the meat into small pieces.

Plural 'Stücke' used for physical pieces resulting from an action.

4

Das ist mein bestes Stück.

That is my best piece (item).

Using superlative adjective 'bestes' with the neuter noun.

5

Ich brauche ein neues Stück Seife.

I need a new bar of soap.

'Stück Seife' is the standard way to say 'bar of soap'.

6

Er hat das ganze Stück allein gegessen.

He ate the whole piece alone.

'das ganze Stück' uses the definite article and adjective ending.

7

Kauf bitte zehn Stück Eier.

Please buy ten eggs.

'Stück' used as a counting unit. Often '10 Stück' is written on packages.

8

Das Frühstück ist fertig!

Breakfast is ready!

'Frühstück' is a compound word derived from 'früh' (early) and 'Stück'.

1

Das Theaterstück war unglaublich spannend.

The theatrical play was incredibly exciting.

'Theaterstück' or simply 'Stück' is the standard term for a play.

2

Wir müssen das Problem Stück für Stück lösen.

We have to solve the problem piece by piece.

'Stück für Stück' is an adverbial phrase meaning step by step.

3

Sie hat drei Stunden am Stück gearbeitet.

She worked for three hours straight.

'am Stück' is an idiom meaning continuously or without interruption.

4

Dieses Musikstück wird von Mozart sein.

This piece of music is probably by Mozart.

'Musikstück' is used for a musical composition.

5

Es fehlt ein wichtiges Stück im Puzzle.

An important piece is missing from the puzzle.

Using 'Stück' in a prepositional phrase with 'im' (in dem).

6

Rück bitte ein Stückchen zur Seite.

Please move a little bit to the side.

'Stückchen' is the diminutive form, making the request softer.

7

Das ist ein teures Stück Technik.

That is an expensive piece of technology.

Abstract use of 'Stück' combined with a category like 'Technik'.

8

Ich habe ein gutes Stück Geld gespart.

I have saved a good amount of money.

'ein gutes Stück' used to mean 'a considerable amount'.

1

Dieses Gemälde ist ein echtes Meisterstück.

This painting is a real masterpiece.

'Meisterstück' is a compound noun denoting a work of highest quality.

2

Der Anwalt präsentierte ein neues Beweisstück.

The lawyer presented a new piece of evidence.

'Beweisstück' is formal, legal vocabulary.

3

Ich halte große Stücke auf meine neue Kollegin.

I think very highly of my new colleague.

'große Stücke auf jemanden halten' is a B2-level idiom.

4

Das war ein hartes Stück Arbeit, aber wir haben es geschafft.

That was a tough piece of work, but we did it.

'ein hartes Stück Arbeit' is a common metaphorical phrase.

5

Sie kaufte das Fleisch am Stück, um es selbst zu schneiden.

She bought the meat in one piece to cut it herself.

'am Stück' meaning whole, not sliced.

6

Das Grundstück am See ist sehr wertvoll.

The plot of land by the lake is very valuable.

'Grundstück' (property/plot) is an essential real estate term.

7

Jedes Stück in dieser Sammlung ist ein Unikat.

Every piece in this collection is unique.

Using 'Jedes' (every) with the neuter noun.

8

Wir haben ein gutes Stück des Weges hinter uns.

We have put a good part of the journey behind us.

Genitive case used here: 'des Weges' (of the path).

1

Das ist ein echtes Glanzstück deutscher Ingenieurskunst.

That is a true masterpiece of German engineering.

'Glanzstück' (shining piece) used for an outstanding achievement.

2

Ich kann Ihren Ausführungen ein Stück weit zustimmen.

I can agree with your explanations to a certain extent.

'ein Stück weit' is a highly common C1 phrase meaning 'to some degree'.

3

Die Verhandlungen waren ein starkes Stück.

The negotiations were quite outrageous / a tough pill to swallow.

'ein starkes Stück' is an idiom expressing indignation or shock.

4

Dieses antike Möbelstück hat einen immensen ideellen Wert.

This antique piece of furniture has immense sentimental value.

'Möbelstück' combined with advanced vocabulary like 'ideellen Wert'.

5

Er hat das Unternehmen Stück für Stück an die Wand gefahren.

He ran the company into the ground piece by piece.

Combining the adverbial 'Stück für Stück' with the idiom 'an die Wand fahren'.

6

Das Aktenstück belegt seine Unschuld zweifelsfrei.

The document proves his innocence beyond a doubt.

'Aktenstück' is formal bureaucratic or legal terminology.

7

Sie ist ein Goldstück von einer Freundin.

She is an absolute gem of a friend.

'Goldstück' used metaphorically for a wonderful person.

8

Das Orchester interpretierte das zeitgenössische Stück brillant.

The orchestra interpreted the contemporary piece brilliantly.

Advanced adjectives 'zeitgenössische' (contemporary) modifying 'Stück'.

1

In diesem literarischen Stück verdichtet sich die Epoche.

In this literary piece, the era is condensed.

Academic/literary analysis phrasing.

2

Das ist ein Kabinettstückchen politischer Rhetorik.

That is a masterstroke of political rhetoric.

'Kabinettstückchen' is a highly sophisticated word for a brilliant performance or trick.

3

Man muss die Dinge aus der Distanz ein Stück weit relativieren.

One must put things into perspective to a certain extent from a distance.

Philosophical/analytical use of 'ein Stück weit'.

4

Das Bruchstück einer antiken Amphore lieferte den entscheidenden Hinweis.

The fragment of an ancient amphora provided the crucial clue.

'Bruchstück' (fragment) used in a scientific/historical context.

5

Seine Argumentation war, gelinde gesagt, ein starkes Stück.

His argumentation was, to put it mildly, quite audacious.

Using 'ein starkes Stück' with the advanced qualifier 'gelinde gesagt'.

6

Das Lehrstück von Brecht hat bis heute nicht an Aktualität eingebüßt.

Brecht's didactic play has not lost its relevance to this day.

'Lehrstück' is a specific literary genre (didactic play).

7

Sie sezierte das Problem in seine kleinsten gedanklichen Stücke.

She dissected the problem into its smallest conceptual pieces.

Metaphorical, highly descriptive use of 'Stücke'.

8

Dieses Prunkstück der Ausstellung zieht alle Blicke auf sich.

This showpiece of the exhibition attracts everyone's attention.

'Prunkstück' denotes the most magnificent item in a collection.

Colocações comuns

ein Stück Kuchen
Stück für Stück
am Stück
ein gutes Stück
ein starkes Stück
das neue Stück
in Stücke reißen
große Stücke halten auf
ein Stück Arbeit
pro Stück

Frases Comuns

ein Stück weit

— To a certain extent or degree. Used to show partial agreement or progress.

Ich stimme dir ein Stück weit zu.

aus freien Stücken

— Of one's own free will. Doing something voluntarily without being forced.

Er hat das aus freien Stücken getan.

in tausend Stücke

— Into a thousand pieces. Used when something shatters completely.

Das Glas zersprang in tausend Stücke.

ein Stück vom Kuchen abhaben wollen

— To want a piece of the pie. Wanting a share of profits or success.

Jeder will ein Stück vom Kuchen abhaben.

ein Goldstück sein

— To be a gem or a very good person. Used affectionately.

Deine Tochter ist ein echtes Goldstück.

ein hartes Stück Arbeit

— A tough piece of work. Used to describe a difficult task.

Die Renovierung war ein hartes Stück Arbeit.

am Stück

— In one piece or continuously. Without a break.

Ich habe den Film am Stück geschaut.

Stück für Stück

— Piece by piece or step by step. Doing something gradually.

Wir bauen das Haus Stück für Stück.

ein starkes Stück

— A bit much or outrageous. Used when someone crosses a line.

Seine Lüge war ein starkes Stück.

pro Stück

— Per item. Used in pricing and shopping.

Zwei Euro pro Stück.

Frequentemente confundido com

Stück vs das Teil

Use 'Teil' for a component of a machine or system. Use 'Stück' for a severed portion or a play.

Stück vs die Scheibe

Use 'Scheibe' specifically for flat slices (bread, cheese). Use 'Stück' for general chunks or pieces.

Stück vs das bisschen

Use 'bisschen' for an undefined small amount (a little bit). Use 'Stück' for a defined piece.

Expressões idiomáticas

"große Stücke auf jemanden halten"

— To think very highly of someone. To have great respect or expectations for them.

Der Trainer hält große Stücke auf den neuen Spieler.

neutral
"ein starkes Stück"

— An outrageous act or a bold move. Something that is hard to believe or accept.

Dass er einfach nicht zur Arbeit kommt, ist ein starkes Stück.

informal
"aus freien Stücken"

— Voluntarily, of one's own accord. Without any external pressure.

Sie hat gekündigt, ganz aus freien Stücken.

formal
"ein Stück vom Kuchen"

— A share of the profits or benefits. Similar to 'a piece of the pie' in English.

Wenn die Firma wächst, wollen die Mitarbeiter auch ein Stück vom Kuchen.

informal
"am Stück"

— Continuously, without interruption. Doing something in one go.

Er kann zehn Kilometer am Stück laufen.

neutral
"jemanden in Stücke reißen"

— To tear someone to pieces. Often used metaphorically for severe criticism.

Die Kritiker haben den neuen Film in Stücke gerissen.

informal
"ein gutes Stück"

— A considerable amount or distance. More than just a little bit.

Wir sind der Lösung ein gutes Stück näher gekommen.

neutral
"sein bestes Stück"

— One's most prized possession. (Note: Can sometimes be used humorously/vulgarly in slang, but literally means best item).

Dieses Auto ist sein bestes Stück.

informal
"Stückwerk sein"

— To be a patchwork or incomplete. Work that is done poorly or inconsistently.

Die Reparatur war reines Stückwerk.

neutral
"auf ein Stück"

— For a short while or a short distance.

Kommst du noch auf ein Stück mit?

informal

Fácil de confundir

Stück vs Teil

Both translate to 'piece' or 'part'.

'Teil' is a functional component (car part). 'Stück' is a severed portion (cake) or an individual item.

Mir fehlt ein Teil vom Motor. Ich esse ein Stück Kuchen.

Stück vs Scheibe

Both can translate to 'slice'.

'Scheibe' is strictly a flat, thin slice. 'Stück' can be any shape or size.

Eine Scheibe Brot (a flat slice). Ein Stück Brot (a chunk of bread).

Stück vs Exemplar

Both can mean 'copy' or 'item'.

'Exemplar' is used for printed copies (books, magazines). 'Stück' is used for general items in inventory.

Ich habe ein Exemplar des Buches. Wir haben 10 Stück auf Lager.

Stück vs Brocken

Both mean 'piece'.

'Brocken' implies a large, heavy, or irregular chunk, often of stone or rock.

Ein Felsbrocken fiel auf die Straße.

Stück vs Fragment

Both mean a broken piece.

'Fragment' is formal and used for incomplete texts, art, or historical ruins.

Ein Fragment eines alten Gedichts.

Padrões de frases

A1

Ich möchte ein Stück [Food].

Ich möchte ein Stück Pizza.

A1

[Number] Stück, bitte.

Drei Stück, bitte.

A2

Das [Object] ist in Stücke zerbrochen.

Das Glas ist in Stücke zerbrochen.

B1

Wir machen das Stück für Stück.

Wir lernen Deutsch Stück für Stück.

B1

Ich habe [Time] am Stück [Verb in Partizip II].

Ich habe drei Stunden am Stück geschlafen.

B2

Das ist ein [Adjective] Stück [Abstract Noun].

Das ist ein hartes Stück Arbeit.

C1

Ich stimme dir ein Stück weit zu.

Ich stimme dir ein Stück weit zu.

C2

Er hält große Stücke auf [Person/Accusative].

Er hält große Stücke auf seinen Kollegen.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

das Stückchen (small piece)
das Frühstück (breakfast)
das Theaterstück (play)
das Musikstück (musical piece)
das Meisterstück (masterpiece)
das Geldstück (coin)
das Gepäckstück (piece of luggage)

Verbos

zerstücken (to cut into pieces)
gestückelt (pieced together)

Adjetivos

stückweise (piecemeal)

Relacionado

das Teil
die Scheibe
das Exemplar
der Brocken
das Fragment

Como usar

frequency

Top 500 words in spoken German.

Erros comuns
  • Ich möchte zwei Stücke Kuchen. Ich möchte zwei Stück Kuchen.

    When used as a unit of measurement after a number, 'Stück' does not take the plural 'e'.

  • Er isst ein Stück von Brot. Er isst ein Stück Brot.

    In everyday German, you do not use 'von' (of) between Stück and the substance. They stand together in apposition.

  • Mir fehlt ein Stück für mein Auto. Mir fehlt ein Teil für mein Auto.

    For functional components of machines or systems, use 'Teil', not 'Stück'.

  • Gib mir bitte einen Stück. Gib mir bitte ein Stück.

    'Stück' is neuter (das), not masculine (der). Therefore, the accusative article is 'ein', not 'einen'.

  • Ich habe das in einem Stück gemacht. Ich habe das am Stück gemacht.

    When you mean 'continuously' or 'without a break', the correct idiom is 'am Stück', not a literal translation of 'in one piece'.

Dicas

No Plural for Counting

Never add an 'e' to Stück when you are ordering a quantity. Say '3 Stück Pizza', not '3 Stücke'.

Skip the 'Of'

Don't translate 'a piece OF cake' literally. Just say 'ein Stück Kuchen'. Put the nouns right next to each other.

The 'Sh' Sound

Remember that 'St' at the beginning of a German word is pronounced 'Sht'. It's Shtück, not Stük.

Theater and Music

If you are talking about arts, 'Stück' is your go-to word for a play or a musical composition.

Am Stück

Use 'am Stück' when you do something without taking a break. 'Ich habe 5 Stunden am Stück gearbeitet'.

Always Neuter

Memorize 'das Stück'. Knowing it is neuter will save you from making adjective ending mistakes.

Stück vs. Teil

If it's a piece of a machine, use 'Teil'. If it's a piece of food, use 'Stück'.

Stück für Stück

Use this phrase to sound like a native when describing a step-by-step process.

Capitalization

Like all German nouns, Stück must always be capitalized, no matter where it is in the sentence.

Bakery Essential

This is the most important word to know in a German bakery. Point and say 'Ein Stück davon, bitte'.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine you are STUCK with a huge PIECE of cake that you have to eat. 'Stück' sounds a bit like 'stuck', and it means piece!

Associação visual

Visualize a giant puzzle piece. On the puzzle piece, the word 'Stück' is written in bold letters. Every time you think of a piece of something, see that puzzle piece.

Word Web

Stück Kuchen (cake) Pizza Theater (play) Musik (music) Stück für Stück (step by step) Frühstück (breakfast) Geldstück (coin)

Desafio

Next time you eat a meal, try to identify everything you can count by the 'piece'. Say 'ein Stück Brot', 'ein Stück Fleisch', 'zwei Stück Kartoffeln' out loud.

Origem da palavra

The word 'Stück' originates from the Old High German word 'stucki', which meant a piece, crust, or fragment. It is deeply related to the verb 'stechen' (to prick, stab, or cut). The original concept was something that had been cut or broken off from a larger mass. Over centuries, it evolved from just physical fragments to abstract concepts and units of measurement.

Significado original: A piece cut or broken off from a larger whole.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

No particular cultural sensitivities. It is a completely neutral, everyday word.

In English, we use 'piece' for both physical items and art (piece of music). German does the exact same thing with 'Stück', making it a very intuitive translation for English speakers.

'Das fliegende Klassenzimmer' (a famous book/play - Theaterstück) 'Stück vom Himmel' (Song by Herbert Grönemeyer) 'Ein Stückchen vom Glück' (Common poetic phrase)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Bakery/Café

  • Ein Stück Kuchen, bitte.
  • Zwei Stück von dem Apfelkuchen.
  • Möchten Sie noch ein Stück?
  • Das macht zwei Euro pro Stück.

Shopping/Supermarket

  • Zehn Stück Eier.
  • Preis pro Stück.
  • Wir haben nur noch drei Stück.
  • Im Angebot: 5 Stück für 3 Euro.

Arts and Entertainment

  • Das neue Theaterstück.
  • Ein schweres Musikstück.
  • Wie fandest du das Stück?
  • Das Stück dauert zwei Stunden.

Describing Progress

  • Stück für Stück.
  • Wir kommen ein gutes Stück voran.
  • Das ist ein hartes Stück Arbeit.
  • Wir machen das am Stück.

Breaking/Damage

  • In tausend Stücke.
  • In Stücke gerissen.
  • Der Teller ist in Stücke zerbrochen.
  • Ein kaputtes Stück.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Was ist dein liebstes Theaterstück? (What is your favorite play?)"

"Isst du oft ein Stück Kuchen am Nachmittag? (Do you often eat a piece of cake in the afternoon?)"

"Welches Musikstück hörst du am liebsten? (Which piece of music do you like listening to the most?)"

"Hast du schon mal etwas in tausend Stücke zerbrochen? (Have you ever broken something into a thousand pieces?)"

"Arbeitest du lieber am Stück oder mit vielen Pausen? (Do you prefer working continuously or with many breaks?)"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe dein Lieblings-Theaterstück oder Musikstück. (Describe your favorite play or piece of music.)

Was isst du am liebsten zum Frühstück? (What do you like to eat most for breakfast?)

Schreibe über ein Projekt, das du 'Stück für Stück' erledigt hast. (Write about a project you completed 'piece by piece'.)

Gibt es ein 'Geldstück' (Münze) aus einem anderen Land, das du aufbewahrst? (Is there a coin from another country that you keep?)

Was war in letzter Zeit ein 'hartes Stück Arbeit' für dich? (What was a 'tough piece of work' for you recently?)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

In German grammar, masculine and neuter nouns that act as units of measurement do not take a plural ending when they follow a number. Since 'das Stück' is neuter and is being used to measure quantity, it remains 'Stück'. You only use 'Stücke' when referring to actual broken fragments, like pieces of a shattered vase.

Usually, no. In everyday German, you use an apposition, meaning you just place the two nouns next to each other: 'ein Stück Kuchen' (a piece of cake). You only use 'von' if you are referring to a specific, definite item, like 'ein Stück von dem Kuchen, den du gebacken hast' (a piece of the cake that you baked).

It is strictly neuter: 'das Stück'. This means you must use neuter articles and adjective endings, such as 'ein großes Stück' or 'mein bestes Stück'.

Yes, absolutely! In fact, 'das Stück' or 'das Theaterstück' is the most common way to refer to a play in German. If someone asks 'Wie war das Stück?', they are asking 'How was the play?'.

It is a very common adverbial phrase that translates to 'piece by piece' or 'step by step'. It is used to describe doing something gradually, like 'Wir bauen das Haus Stück für Stück'.

A 'Stück' is typically a severed portion (like a slice of cake) or an individual item. A 'Teil' is a functional component that belongs to a larger system, like a puzzle piece (Puzzleteil) or a car part (Ersatzteil).

It starts with a 'sh' sound, followed by a 't'. The 'ü' is a short, rounded vowel sound (purse your lips like you are going to whistle, but say 'ee'). It ends with a sharp 'k'. Shtük.

'Am Stück' is an idiom that means 'continuously' or 'in one piece'. If you sleep for eight hours without waking up, you slept 'acht Stunden am Stück'.

'Frühstück' literally translates to 'early piece'. Historically, it referred to the piece of bread that workers would eat early in the morning before starting their labor.

Yes. It is very common to use 'ein Stück' to mean a short distance. For example, 'Wir müssen noch ein Stück laufen' means 'We still have to walk a bit further'.

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence asking for one piece of cake.

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writing

Write a sentence stating that you are eating a piece of pizza.

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writing

Write a sentence asking for three pieces of bread.

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writing

Write a sentence saying the glass broke into pieces.

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writing

Write a sentence saying you will walk a short distance further.

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writing

Write a sentence saying you need a bar of soap.

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writing

Write a sentence saying the play was very good.

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writing

Write a sentence saying you are learning German step by step (piece by piece).

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writing

Write a sentence saying she worked for three hours straight.

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writing

Write a sentence saying you think highly of your colleague.

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writing

Write a sentence saying that was a tough piece of work.

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writing

Write a sentence saying he did it voluntarily.

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writing

Write a sentence saying you agree to a certain extent.

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writing

Write a sentence saying that is an outrageous act.

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writing

Write a sentence using the word 'Glanzstück' (masterpiece/highlight).

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Kabinettstückchen'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Bruchstück'.

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writing

Translate: 'Two euros per piece.'

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writing

Translate: 'Breakfast is ready.'

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writing

Translate: 'A piece of luggage.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein Stück Kuchen, bitte.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Zwei Stück Pizza.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Das Stück kostet einen Euro.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'In tausend Stücke.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Wir gehen noch ein Stück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein Stück Seife.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Stück für Stück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Das Theaterstück war toll.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Drei Stunden am Stück.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein hartes Stück Arbeit.'

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Aus freien Stücken.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ich halte große Stücke auf ihn.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein starkes Stück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein Stück weit.'

Read this aloud:

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Pronounce: 'Das Glanzstück der Sammlung.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Ein Kabinettstückchen.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Pro Stück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Das Frühstück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Das Grundstück.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce: 'Das Geldstück.'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Ich möchte ein Stück Kuchen.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Drei Stück, bitte.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Das Glas ist in Stücke zerbrochen.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Wir gehen noch ein Stück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Das Theaterstück beginnt um acht.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Wir machen das Stück für Stück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Das war ein hartes Stück Arbeit.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Er hat es aus freien Stücken getan.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Das ist wirklich ein starkes Stück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Ich stimme dir ein Stück weit zu.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Zwei Euro pro Stück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Das Frühstück ist fertig.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Ich habe kein Geldstück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Ein schönes Grundstück.'

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listening

Listen and write what you hear: 'Ein literarisches Meisterstück.'

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/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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