variant
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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.
subtype
In biology, a subgroup within a species that differs from other members of the species through certain characteristics. The term is no longer used scientifically and is often replaced by 'subspecies' or 'variety'.
Diese seltene Blume ist eine lokale Spielart, die nur in diesem Tal vorkommt.
This rare flower is a local subtype that occurs only in this valley.
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 If the topic is plants or animals, this outdated scientific meaning is probably intended.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.
variant
Variante and Spielart can both refer to a particular form of a game or concept. Variante presents it neutrally as an alternative version. Spielart is especially suitable when it is viewed as a recognizable form within a larger game, concept, or style.
Blitzschach ist eine schnelle Spielart des Schachs.
Blitz chess is a fast variant of chess.
Wir probieren heute eine schnelle Variante des Schachs aus.
Today, we're trying a fast variant of chess.
