German word

Baustein

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbaʊ̯ʃtaɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncomponent

Example

Das ist ein wichtiger Baustein des Plans.

This is an important component of the plan.

Illustration for Baustein (component)

More examples

Der modulare Baustein lässt sich leicht ersetzen.

The modular building block is easy to replace.

Core concept

A single block that fits with other blocks to make a larger structure or system.

Common phrases

  • modularer Baustein

    modular building block

  • Baustein im Baukasten

    building block in a modular system

  • Baustein für das Curriculum

    building block for the curriculum

Similar words

Teil: A part of a whole, considered separately from the rest.
Bestandteil: A component that forms part of a larger whole.
Element: A simple, basic unit within a larger structure or system.
Bauteil: A manufactured part designed for a machine or building.

Definition in German

Ein einzelnes, klar abgrenzbares Element, das zusammen mit weiteren Elementen eine Struktur oder ein System bildet.

Word origin

Baustein combines Bau, meaning building, with Stein, meaning stone, and extends the literal idea of a building stone to a component of an abstract whole.

Usage tips

  • Baustein is masculine, with the plural Bausteine: der Baustein, die Bausteine.

Other meanings

  • elementnoun
  • building blocknoun

Opposites

  • Ganzeswholenoun
  • Gesamtbildcomplete picturenoun

Related words

  • Bausteinprinzipbuilding-block principlenoun
  • Bausteinkonzeptbuilding-block conceptnoun
  • bausteinbasiertbuilding-block-basedadjective

Word lists with this word