01
spielen
to play
To occupy oneself for fun with a game, toy, or activity, often used for children.
example
Die Kinder spielen draußen im Sandkasten.
The children are playing outside in the sandbox.
spielen
to play
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 09
Usage tips
Distinguishing meanings
The exact meaning of 'spielen' depends strongly on the object or preposition. A musical instrument or a sport is used directly in the accusative. A setting takes 'in'. An idea that one is considering is used with 'mit dem Gedanken' (with the thought).
EXAMPLE
Sie spielt Geige.
She plays violin.
Playing with toys
When children (or adults too) occupy themselves with a toy or another person, the preposition 'mit + dative' is used.
EXAMPLE
Der Junge spielt mit seinem neuen Auto.
The boy is playing with his new car.
Playing sports
With most ball sports and board games, 'spielen' is used directly with the accusative object. You don't need a preposition.
EXAMPLE
Spielst du gerne Basketball?
Do you like playing basketball?
Playing instruments
When talking about musical instruments, 'spielen' is connected directly with the instrument in the accusative. You don't need a preposition as in English.
EXAMPLE
Er lernt seit einem Jahr, Gitarre zu spielen.
He has been learning to play guitar for a year.
Portraying a role
When an actor portrays a character, that character is the direct accusative object of 'spielen'. Typical objects are: 'die Hauptrolle' (the leading role), 'eine Nebenrolle' (a supporting role), 'den Helden' (the hero), or 'den Bösewicht' (the villain).
EXAMPLE
In seinem nächsten Film spielt er einen Detektiv.
In his next film, he plays a detective.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'eine Rolle spielen' means 'to be important' or 'to be relevant'. The negation 'keine Rolle spielen' is also very common and means 'to be unimportant'.
EXAMPLE
Das Alter spielt für diese Position keine Rolle.
Age doesn't play a role for this position.
Setting
To describe the place or time of the plot of a film, book, or play, you use the structure 'spielen in + dative'.
EXAMPLE
Der Roman spielt im Paris des 19. Jahrhunderts.
The novel is set in 19th-century Paris.
Gambling prepositions
In the context of gambling, you use 'spielen um + accusative' to name the stake or prize. You can also use 'auf + accusative' to say what someone is betting on.
EXAMPLE
Sie spielen jeden Freitag Poker um Geld.
They play poker for money every Friday.
Fixed expression
The expression 'mit dem Gedanken spielen, etwas zu tun' (to toy with the idea of doing something) means that one is considering an idea or plan but is still undecided. The preposition 'mit' and the infinitive construction with 'zu' are fixed components.
EXAMPLE
Sie spielt mit dem Gedanken, nach Australien auszuwandern.
She is toying with the idea of emigrating to Australia.
Colloquial expression
The phrase 'verrückt spielen' (to act up) is colloquial. It is used for devices, technical systems, or even body parts that are not functioning properly or are behaving unpredictably.
EXAMPLE
Mein Computer spielt in letzter Zeit ständig verrückt.
My computer has been constantly acting up lately.
Compare with
spielen vs laufen
to run
'spielen' and 'laufen' can both occur with films, series, or plays, but they do not mean the same thing. 'spielen' says where or when the action of a film or book is set. 'laufen' says that a film or program is currently being shown or broadcast. Learners may confuse the words because you hear both in media contexts. Remember: a film 'spielt in Berlin' (is set in Berlin), but it 'läuft im Kino' or 'läuft im Fernsehen' (is showing at the cinema or is on television).
spielen
Der neue Krimi spielt in einer kleinen Stadt an der Küste.
The new crime novel is set in a small town on the coast.
laufen
Im Kino läuft heute Abend ein Film über eine lange Reise.
A film about a long journey is showing at the cinema this evening.
In real life
Loading video examples...