spielend
effortlessly
With great ease and without noticeable effort, almost as if it were a game.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat die schwierige Aufnahmeprüfung spielend bestanden.
She passed the difficult entrance exam effortlessly.
spielend
effortlessly / playing
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Meanings
spielend
playing
Describes a person or animal that is currently actively engaged in playing.
EXAMPLE
Die spielenden Kinder im Garten merkten nicht, wie die Zeit verging.
The children playing in the garden didn't notice how time was passing.
Usage tips
Present participle of 'spielen'
The word 'spielend' is the present participle of the verb 'spielen' (to play). This form can either literally mean that someone is currently playing, or figuratively that something is very easy—as easy as a game.
EXAMPLE
Er löste die komplizierte Matheaufgabe spielend.
He solved the complicated math problem effortlessly.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the grammar: If 'spielend' is used as an invariable adverb, it means 'with ease'. If it is declined as an adjective before a noun, it describes a person who is currently playing.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat das Rennen spielend gewonnen.
She won the race effortlessly.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'with ease', 'spielend' is often combined with verbs of succeeding. Typical phrases are 'spielend schaffen' (to manage effortlessly), 'spielend gewinnen' (to win effortlessly), 'spielend meistern' (to master effortlessly), or 'spielend bestehen' (to pass effortlessly).
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Prüfung spielend geschafft.
He managed the exam effortlessly.
Use as an adjective
In the literal meaning, 'spielend' is used like a normal adjective before a noun and is declined accordingly. It then describes the subject that is currently playing.
EXAMPLE
Ein spielendes Kind hat den Ball auf die Straße geworfen.
A playing child threw the ball into the street.
Compare with
spielend vs spielerisch
playful / effortless
Spielerisch here describes an approach that resembles a game, for example when learning. Spielend, by contrast, emphasizes that something is achieved without noticeable effort. A playful approach can also seem easy, but spielend is more precise when the focus is purely on effortlessness.
spielend
Nach kurzer Übung beherrschen die Kinder die neuen Wörter spielend.
After a short period of practice, the children can master the new words effortlessly.
spielerisch
Die Kinder üben die neuen Wörter spielerisch mit einem Kartenspiel.
The children practice the new words playfully with a card game.
In real life
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