der Schauspieler
actor
A male person whose profession is to portray roles in plays, films, or television productions.
EXAMPLE
Der Schauspieler gewann für seine Hauptrolle einen Oscar.
The actor won an Oscar for his leading role.
der Schauspieler
actor
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Meanings
der Schauspieler
actor
A person who pretends, fakes feelings, or is dishonest in order to deceive others.
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube ihm kein Wort, er ist ein guter Schauspieler, wenn es um Ausreden geht.
I don't believe a word he says; he's a good actor when it comes to excuses.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Schauspieler' (actor) is made up of 'Schau' (from the verb 'schauen' (to look/watch)) and 'Spieler' (player). So literally, it is a person who puts something on display by acting.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein bekannter Schauspieler am Theater in Hamburg.
He is a well-known actor at the theater in Hamburg.
Typical collocations
In a professional context, the word is often connected with places such as 'Bühne' (stage), 'Film' (film), or 'Theater' (theater). Verbs such as 'eine Rolle spielen' (to play a role) or 'auftreten' (to perform/appear) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Schauspieler tritt heute Abend zum ersten Mal auf der großen Bühne auf.
The young actor is performing on the big stage for the first time this evening.
Negative meaning
When 'Schauspieler' (actor) is used disparagingly, it describes a dishonest person who is only pretending to have feelings. The context is then usually a personal situation, not professional life.
EXAMPLE
Er entschuldigt sich immer so übertrieben, er ist ein großer Schauspieler.
He always apologizes so theatrically; he's a real actor.
Compare with
Schauspieler vs Spieler
player
Spieler can refer to a performing artist in the theater, but in this meaning it sounds old-fashioned or elevated. Schauspieler is the neutral modern term for someone who portrays a role on stage. In ordinary modern usage, Schauspieler is therefore the appropriate choice.
Schauspieler
Das heutige Theaterprogramm nennt den Schauspieler in der Hauptrolle.
Today’s theater program lists the actor in the lead role.
Spieler
Eine alte Theaterkritik lobt den Spieler in der Hauptrolle.
An old theater review praises the player in the lead role.
In real life
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