supporting role / minor role
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supporting role
A role in a play, film, or series that is not the main character but still contributes to the plot.
Der Schauspieler gewann einen Oscar für die beste Nebenrolle.
The actor won an Oscar for best supporting role.
minor role
In a figurative sense, a subordinate or less important function in a particular context or event.
Bei den Vertragsverhandlungen spielte unser Anliegen leider nur eine Nebenrolle.
In the contract negotiations, our concern unfortunately played only a minor role.
The word is made up of 'neben' (beside, secondary) and 'die Rolle' (role). So it literally describes a role that exists 'beside' the most important role.
Er spielt nicht die Hauptfigur, sondern eine Figur daneben – eine Nebenrolle.
He does not play the main character, but a character next to it — a supporting role.
In the context of film and theater, 'Nebenrolle' (supporting role) is often used with verbs such as 'spielen' (to play), 'haben' (to have), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'besetzen' (to cast). The combination 'für eine Nebenrolle ausgezeichnet werden' (to receive an award for a supporting role) is also common.
Sie wurde für ihre erste Nebenrolle in einem Kinofilm gelobt.
She was praised for her first supporting role in a feature film.
In the figurative meaning, the combination with the verb 'spielen' (to play) is especially common. The fixed expression 'eine Nebenrolle spielen' (to play a minor role) means that something is less important or stays in the background.
Bei dieser Entscheidung spielte die Meinung der Mitarbeiter nur eine Nebenrolle.
In this decision, the employees' opinion played only a minor role.
function
Funktion describes the specific task a person or thing has in a particular context. Nebenrolle, by contrast, refers to a function with little importance or limited influence. If the task itself is important, Funktion is appropriate; if its subordinate position is being emphasized, Nebenrolle is the better choice.
Bei der Planung der Veranstaltung spielt Mia nur eine Nebenrolle.
Mia plays only a minor role in planning the event.
Bei der Veranstaltung hat Mia die Funktion, alle Gäste zu begrüßen.
At the event, Mia's role is to greet all the guests.
