playing field
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playing field
A defined, often marked area on which a sports game such as soccer, hockey, or tennis is played.
Nach dem starken Regen stand das Spielfeld unter Wasser und das Spiel musste abgesagt werden.
After the heavy rain, the playing field was under water and the game had to be canceled.
The word is a clear compound of 'das Spiel' (the game) and 'das Feld' (the field). So it literally describes a field on which a game takes place.
Die Kinder malten mit Kreide ein Spielfeld auf die Straße.
The children drew a playing field on the street with chalk.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about sports, players, or rules, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about politics, business, or strategies, the figurative meaning is intended.
Die Spieler betraten das Spielfeld.
The players entered the playing field.
Pay attention to the difference: 'auf dem Spielfeld' (on the playing field, dative) describes a position. 'Auf das Spielfeld' (onto the playing field, accusative) describes movement toward the field.
Der Schiedsrichter steht schon auf dem Spielfeld.
The referee is already standing on the playing field.
In the figurative meaning, 'Spielfeld' (field/arena) is often combined with adjectives such as 'politisch' (political), 'wirtschaftlich' (economic), or 'komplex' (complex). People also say that someone 'ein Spielfeld betritt' (enters a field/arena) or 'das Spielfeld verlässt' (leaves the field/arena).
Mit der neuen Technologie betritt die Firma ein völlig neues Spielfeld.
With the new technology, the company is entering a completely new field.
place / space
'der Platz' and 'das Spielfeld' can both refer to an area for sports. 'Platz' is more general and can mean the whole sports area or a specific sports field or court, for example a soccer field or tennis court. 'Spielfeld' refers more specifically to the defined and often marked area where the game actually takes place. Learners may confuse the words because in sports you often hear both. If you mean the place in general, 'Platz' fits. If the lines, boundaries, or the playing area are important, 'Spielfeld' is more precise.
Der Ball rollte über die Linie und verließ das Spielfeld.
The ball rolled over the line and left the playing field.
Nach dem Regen war der Platz zu nass für das Training.
After the rain, the field was too wet for practice.