das  Kunststück

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʊnstʃtʏk/

🤸 What Exactly is a Kunststück?

Das Kunststück (neuter noun) refers to an action that requires special skill, ability, or courage, often performed for entertainment or admiration. It can be a physical feat, a trick, or even a difficult task that has been successfully accomplished.

It basically has two main meanings:

1. A skillful, often artistic performance: Think of circus performers, magicians, or athletes doing something impressive. Example: Der Salto des Akrobaten war ein waghalsiges Kunststück. (The acrobat's somersault was a daring feat/stunt.)
2. A difficult task successfully managed (often slightly ironic): When someone achieves something unexpected or complicated. Example: Es war ein echtes Kunststück, alle unter einen Hut zu bringen. (It was a real feat to get everyone on the same page / organized.)

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse it with 'das Kunstwerk', which refers to a work of fine art (like a painting or sculpture).

📐 Grammar: Das Kunststück in Detail

The word "Kunststück" is a neuter noun, taking the article das. Here is its declension:

Singular

Plural

💡 Example Sentences

• Der Zauberer führte beeindruckende Kunststücke vor. (The magician performed impressive tricks.)
• Es war ein Kunststück, das Auto in die enge Parklücke zu manövrieren. (It was a feat to maneuver the car into the tight parking space.)
• Mit diesem Kunststück gewann sie den Wettbewerb. (With this feat/performance, she won the competition.)
• Das größte Kunststück war, pünktlich anzukommen. (The biggest feat was arriving on time.)

🎯 How to Use 'Kunststück'?

The word "Kunststück" is used in various contexts:

• Circus & Variety Shows: Artistic performances, magic tricks. (e.g., Zirkuskunststück - circus trick, Zauberkunststück - magic trick)
• Sports: Particularly skillful or difficult maneuvers. (e.g., ein Kunststück am Reck - a feat on the high bar, ein Kunststück mit dem Ball - a trick with the ball)
• Everyday life (often figurative/ironic): An action that succeeded surprisingly or with difficulty. (e.g., Es ist ein Kunststück, bei dem Lärm zu arbeiten. - It's a feat to work with this noise.)
• Animal training: Trained tricks performed by animals. (e.g., Der Hund kann viele Kunststücke. - The dog knows many tricks.)

It always implies a certain degree of skill, difficulty, or surprise. It often has a positive connotation (admiration for the skill), but can also be used ironically when something succeeds against the odds or was very complicated.

Comparison: While "der Trick" is often more general or can imply cunning, "das Kunststück" emphasizes the underlying skill or difficulty.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Here are a couple of memory aids:

• Article Mnemonic (das): Think of das MASTERPIECE or das SPECTACLE. Many German nouns ending in '-stück' (piece) are neuter (das). Imagine 'das' requires skill, like a 'Kunststück'.
• Meaning Mnemonic: A Kunststück is a little PIECE (Stück) of high ARTISTRY/SKILL (Kunst) – something special not everyone can do.

Imagine: Das is like saying 'That's amazing!' when you see a Kunststück. It’s a feat, a spectacular stück (piece) of kunst (art/skill).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Kunststück

Similar but potentially misleading words:

• das Kunstwerk: work of art (e.g., painting, sculpture).
• das Stückwerk: patchwork, fragmentary work.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, nenne mir drei berühmte Kunststücke!" Fritzchen: "Äh... die Hausaufgaben von gestern, pünktlich aufstehen und mein Zeugnis vor meinen Eltern verstecken!"

English Translation: The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, name three famous feats/tricks!" Fritzchen: "Uh... yesterday's homework, getting up on time, and hiding my report card from my parents!"

📜 A Poem About Kunststücke

German:
Ein Seiltänzer, hoch und kühn,
zeigt, was nur Wenige kühn
vollbringen mit Balance und Mut,
ein Kunststück, leicht wie Federhut.

Der Zauberer mit flinker Hand,
lässt Karten schweben, unbekannt
dem Publikum der Trick, die List,
ein Kunststück, das man nie vergisst.

Auch wer im Leben Hürden nimmt,
und Schwieriges mit Lächeln stimmt,
vollbringt, oft ungesehn, fürwahr,
ein Kunststück, wunderbar!

English Translation:
A tightrope walker, high and bold,
shows what few dare to unfold,
achieved with balance and with grace,
a feat, light as a feather's pace.

The magician with a nimble hand,
makes cards float, across the land
of stage unknown, the trick, the sleight,
a feat one won't forget, so bright.

Also, who takes hurdles in stride,
and manages troubles with a smile inside,
performs, often unseen, it's true,
a feat, quite wonderful too!

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich fordere Geschick und Kraft,
werde im Zirkus oft geschafft.
Manchmal geling' ich unverhofft,
wenn etwas Schwieriges man probt.
Man staunt und klatscht, ruft laut "Bravo!"
Was bin ich wohl? Rate mal froh!

English Translation:
I demand skill and might,
In the circus, I'm often brought to light.
Sometimes I succeed unexpectedly,
When something difficult is practiced readily.
People marvel, clap, and shout "Bravo!"
What am I? Guess now, give it a go!

Solution: Das Kunststück (the feat/trick/stunt)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Composition

The word "Kunststück" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Kunst: Here refers to skill, dexterity, ability (not just fine art).
• Stück: Means piece, part, individual item or performance.

Together, the meaning is an individual performance or action requiring special skill.

Trivia

• The phrase "ein Kunststück fertigbringen" is commonly used, meaning 'to pull off a feat' or 'to manage something difficult/unexpected'.
• In the plural, "Kunststücke" can sometimes mean antics or shenanigans, especially when talking about children or animals (e.g., "Mach keine Kunststücke!" - "Don't play tricks / Stop messing around!").