das  Einzelstück

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪntsəlˌʃtʏk/

🧩 What exactly is a *Einzelstück*?

Das Einzelstück (noun, neuter) refers to an object that exists only once in its specific form. It is therefore a Unikat (unique item/one-off) or an object that was not mass-produced but individually made or is considered a unique specimen.

Imagine an artist painting a picture – this picture is ein Einzelstück. Or a craftsman making a custom-made chair – this too is ein Einzelstück. It stands out from mass-produced goods or serial products.

🚨 There are no other articles for this word in this meaning. It is always das Einzelstück.

📐 Grammar under the Microscope: *das Einzelstück*

The word "Einzelstück" is a noun of neuter gender (das). It uses the article "das".

Example Sentences ✍️

• Dieses handgefertigte Schmuckstück ist ein echtes Einzelstück.
  (This handmade piece of jewelry is a real one-of-a-kind item.)
• Der Prototyp des neuen Autos war zunächst ein Einzelstück.
  (The prototype of the new car was initially a single piece/one-off.)
• In der Auktion werden mehrere wertvolle Einzelstücke versteigert.
  (Several valuable unique items will be auctioned off.)
• Die Manufaktur ist stolz auf jedes ihrer Einzelstücke.
  (The manufactory is proud of each of its unique pieces.)

💡 How to Use "Einzelstück"?

"Einzelstück" is used to emphasize the uniqueness or exclusivity of an item. Typical contexts include:

• Kunst und Handwerk (Art and Craft): Paintings, sculptures, handmade furniture, or jewelry.
• Mode (Fashion): Haute couture or custom-made clothing.
• Sammlerstücke (Collectibles): Rare stamps, coins, or other collector's items.
• Prototypenbau (Prototype construction): The first working design of a product.
• Natur (Nature): Sometimes used metaphorically for unique natural phenomena or specimens.

Comparison:

• Unikat (das): Very similar meaning, often used synonymously. "Unikat" perhaps emphasizes the absolute uniqueness and artistic value even more.
• Prototyp (der): Is often an Einzelstück, but the focus is on its function as the first model for a later series.
• Original (das): Often refers to the first copy (e.g., of an artwork as opposed to copies), which usually also makes it an Einzelstück.

You use "Einzelstück" to highlight the contrast to mass or serial production (Massenware, Serienfertigung).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article "das": Think of "das Stück" (the piece). Many neuter German nouns end in "-stück" (e.g., das Grundstück - the property, das Fundstück - the find). "Einzel" (single) just describes the type of piece – it remains "das Stück". Or think: An Einzelstück is often something special, somewhat abstract in its uniqueness – and many abstract concepts in German are neuter (das Glück - luck, das Wunder - miracle).

Meaning "unique item": Break down the word: "Einzel" + "Stück". It literally means a single piece of something, so something that exists only once. Easy!

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Although similar, connotations can vary slightly. A "Prototyp" is not always intended as a work of art like some "Unikat".

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Kunde den Verkäufer im Antiquitätenladen: "Ist diese Vase wirklich ein Einzelstück?" Antwortet der Verkäufer: "Aber ja! Und das Beste: Wir haben noch fünf weitere davon im Lager!"

English: A customer asks the seller in an antique shop: "Is this vase really a unique piece?" The seller replies: "Absolutely! And the best part is: we have five more just like it in the back!"

✒️ Poem about the Word

German:
Kein zweites gibt es, weit und breit,
Geschaffen für die Ewigkeit.
Nicht aus der Form, nicht vom Fließband,
Gehalten in des Meisters Hand.

Ein Funke Geist, ein Hauch Genie,
So steht es da, voll Harmonie.
Ob Holz, ob Stein, ob feines Tuch,
Es ist und bleibt das Einzelstück.

English Translation:
No second exists, far and wide,
Created for eternity's tide.
Not from a mold, not from the line,
Held in the master's hand divine.

A spark of spirit, a touch of genius bright,
So it stands there, full of harmonious light.
Whether wood, or stone, or finest thread,
It is and remains the unique piece instead.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich habe keine Kopie und keinen Zwilling,
Bin einzigartig, ein besonderes Ding.
Man findet mich in Galerien und manchmal auch zu Haus,
Und Serienproduktion ist mir ein Graus.

Was bin ich?

English:
I have no copy and no twin,
I'm unique, a special thing.
You find me in galleries and sometimes at home,
And mass production makes me groan.

What am I?

Solution: das Einzelstück (the unique item/one-off)

✨ Other Info

Word Composition:

"Einzelstück" is a compound noun, composed of:

• einzel: Adjective, meaning "single", "sole", "individual".
• Stück (das): Noun, meaning "piece", "item", "specimen".

So, the combination literally means "a single item/piece".

Prevalence: The term is commonly used in many fields, from art and crafts to design and technology (e.g., for prototypes).