das Flickwerk
Translation
patchwork, botched job, hodgepodge
Examples
Die Decke ist ein buntes Flickwerk.
The blanket is a colourful patchwork.
Die Gesetzesreform war nur Flickwerk.
The legal reform was just a botched job.
Grammar Patterns
((a patchwork)) ((of sth.)) a patchwork of sth. His plan was a patchwork of old ideas.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Stückwerk (piecework), Bastelei (tinkering); Antonyms: Meisterwerk (masterpiece)
Etymology
Composed of 'flicken' (to patch) and 'Werk' (work). It literally means 'patch work'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'flicking' patches onto a piece of 'work' to create a 'Flickwerk' (patchwork).