der Spielball
play ball
A ball that is used for playing or for a specific sport.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder warfen sich den bunten Spielball im Park zu.
The children tossed the colorful play ball to each other in the park.
der Spielball
play ball / pawn
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Meanings
der Spielball
pawn
In a figurative sense, a person or thing that is powerless against the interests and decisions of others and can be influenced by them at will.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Land wurde zum Spielball der Großmächte.
The small country became a pawn of the great powers.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Spielball' is a compound noun made from 'das Spiel' (game/play) and 'der Ball' (ball). Literally, it is simply a ball that you play with.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hat den Spielball im Garten gefunden.
The dog found the play ball in the garden.
Context clue
The literal meaning (m01) refers to a real ball. The figurative meaning (m02) is used for people, groups, or countries that are controlled by others and have no power of their own.
EXAMPLE
Der Tennisspieler schlug den Spielball präzise über das Netz.
The tennis player hit the play ball precisely over the net.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Spielball' (pawn) is often combined with the verb 'werden' (to become) or 'sein' (to be). Typical expressions are 'zum Spielball werden' (to become a pawn) or 'der Spielball von jemandem sein' (to be someone's pawn).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen wurde zum Spielball internationaler Investoren.
The company became a pawn of international investors.
Genitive construction
In the figurative meaning, it is often followed by a genitive that names the controlling power. Examples are 'Spielball der Interessen' (pawn of interests), 'Spielball der Politik' (pawn of politics), or 'Spielball der Mächte' (pawn of the powers).
EXAMPLE
Die Region ist seit Jahrzehnten ein Spielball der Großmächte.
The region has been a pawn of the great powers for decades.
Compare with
Spielball vs Spielzeug
toy
Spielzeug is an object that children play with for entertainment. In contrast, Spielball is used figuratively for a person or thing that depends on and is influenced by the interests of others. Use “Spielzeug” for an object used for playing and “Spielball” for this powerless role.
Spielball
Die kleine Partei wurde im Machtkampf zum Spielball der größeren Parteien.
The small party became a pawn of the larger parties in the power struggle.
Spielzeug
Das Kind räumte sein Spielzeug nach dem Spielen in die Kiste.
After playing, the child put its toys in the box.
In real life
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