variant
Loading your saved state.
variant
A particular variant, form, or modification of something, especially of a game, sport, concept, or artistic style.
Blitzschach ist eine schnelle und anspruchsvolle Spielart des traditionellen Schachs.
Blitz chess is a fast and challenging variant of traditional chess.
The word 'Spielart' (variant) is composed of 'Spiel' (game/play) and 'Art' (kind/type). So it literally means a 'kind of game' or a certain way in which something is played or done.
Diese moderne Spielart des Theaters gefällt mir sehr gut.
I really like this modern variant of theater.
To say what something is a variant of, 'Spielart' (variant) is often used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' + dative. The genitive is more common in written language.
Das ist eine besonders aggressive Spielart des Virus.
That is a particularly aggressive variant of the virus.
The word is frequently used for variants of abstract concepts, styles, or genres. Typical combinations are 'eine besondere Spielart' (a particular variant), 'eine moderne Spielart' (a modern variant), or 'eine eigene Spielart' (a distinct variant).
Sein Humor ist eine ganz eigene Spielart der Ironie.
His humor is a very distinct variant of irony.
You can recognize this meaning from the biological or botanical context. If the topic is plants or animals, this outdated scientific meaning is probably intended.
Der Forscher beschrieb eine lokale Spielart dieser Orchidee.
The researcher described a local subtype of this orchid.
form / shape
'die Form' and 'die Spielart' can both mean a particular way in which something appears or is done. 'die Form' is very general and can describe the way something is presented, designed, or appears. 'die Spielart' is more like a particular variant within a larger group, for example in sports, music, art, or a concept. Learners may confuse the words because 'Spielart' can often be explained as 'eine Form von etwas' (a form of something). As a practical rule: 'Form' is neutral and broad, while 'Spielart' emphasizes a specific variation.
Jazz ist eine Spielart der Musik, die viel Freiheit lässt.
Jazz is a type of music that allows a lot of freedom.
Der Lehrer wählt für die Übung eine einfache Form der Erklärung.
The teacher chooses a simple form of explanation for the exercise.