Textstück

Textstück is a German noun formed from Text and Stück (piece). It denotes a self-contained piece of text or a distinct textual unit that can be examined, quoted, or performed on its own. The term is used primarily in academic and professional contexts rather than in everyday language.

In literary and media studies, a Textstück can refer to a short passage or excerpt selected for close reading, analysis, or discussion. In journalism and editing, it may describe a brief text item, sidebar, or inserted block within a larger article. In theatre and performance studies, the word is sometimes applied to a text-based segment—such as a scene or monologue—that forms a discrete unit for staging or study. In contemporary art and music, Textstücke (plural) can indicate works where language or textual material is the primary medium, sometimes blending spoken or written text with performance, sound, or visual elements.

Etymologically, the compound emphasizes a unit of text treated as a standalone piece, akin to an excerpt or fragment. Its usage is comparative and context-dependent, and it is less common in everyday language than related terms like Textauszug or Textstelle. The term may appear in academic articles, catalogs, or discussions of textual forms and their functions in various media.

See also: Textauszug, Textstelle, Fragment, Monolog, Excerpt.