01
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
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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
'der Spieler' and 'der Schauspieler' can both have to do with theater and roles. In this meaning, however, 'Spieler' is old-fashioned or elevated and is hardly ever used on its own this way today. 'Schauspieler' is the normal word for a person who performs roles in theater, film, or television. Learners may confuse the words because in German you also say that someone 'eine Rolle spielt' (plays a role). Still, for the profession, people almost always say 'Schauspieler'.
Schauspieler
Der Schauspieler probt heute eine neue Szene für den Film.
The actor is rehearsing a new scene for the film today.
Spieler
In dem alten Theatertext wird der Hauptdarsteller noch als Spieler bezeichnet.
In the old theater text, the leading actor is still referred to as a Spieler.
In real life
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