die Hauptrolle
leading role
The most important and central role for an actor in a film, play, or series.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde für die Hauptrolle in dem neuen Actionfilm gecastet.
He was cast for the leading role in the new action film.
die Hauptrolle
leading role
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
eine Hauptrolle spielen
to play a leading role
In a figurative sense, to be a decisive or very important factor in a particular situation or development.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Entscheidung spielte das Geld die Hauptrolle.
Money played the leading role in the decision.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Haupt' (main, chief) and 'Rolle' (role). So it literally means the 'most important role'.
EXAMPLE
Die Besetzung der Hauptrolle war eine große Überraschung.
The casting of the leading role was a big surprise.
Fixed expression
'Hauptrolle' (leading role) is almost always used with the verb 'spielen' (to play). The expression 'eine Hauptrolle spielen' (to play a leading role) can be used both literally and figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Welche Schauspielerin spielt die Hauptrolle?
Which actress plays the leading role?
Typical collocations
In the context of film and theater, 'Hauptrolle' (leading role) is often combined with verbs such as 'bekommen' (to get), 'übernehmen' (to take on), 'besetzen' (to cast), or 'spielen' (to play).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat die Hauptrolle in einem neuen Musical bekommen.
She got the leading role in a new musical.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning when an abstract thing (such as money, time, or safety) 'plays' the role. In that case, it is not about a person in a film or play.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Berufswahl sollte nicht nur das Gehalt die Hauptrolle spielen.
When choosing a career, salary should not be the only thing that plays the leading role.
Compare with
Hauptrolle vs Protagonist
protagonist
The Protagonist is the central character in a story. Hauptrolle, by contrast, is the most important role an actor plays in a performance or production. An actor therefore takes the Hauptrolle and often portrays the Protagonist in the process.
Hauptrolle
Im neuen Film spielt Jonas Keller die Hauptrolle und verkörpert den jungen Arzt.
In the new film, Jonas Keller plays the leading role and portrays the young doctor.
Protagonist
Im neuen Film ist ein junger Arzt der Protagonist der Geschichte.
In the new film, a young doctor is the protagonist of the story.
In real life
Loading video examples...