playing field
das Spielfeld, die Spielfelder
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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.
field / arena
In a figurative sense, an area or environment in which certain activities, competitive struggles, or developments take place.
Die internationale Wirtschaftspolitik ist ein komplexes Spielfeld mit vielen verschiedenen Akteuren.
International economic policy is a complex field with many different players.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spielfelder |
| genitive | des Spielfeldes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Spielfeld | die Spielfelder |
| accusative | das Spielfeld | die Spielfelder |
| dative | dem Spielfeld | den Spielfeldern |
| genitive | des Spielfeldes des Spielfelds | der Spielfelder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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.
In der globalen Wirtschaft gibt es viele Akteure auf dem Spielfeld.
In the global economy, there are many players on the 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.
Nach der Pause liefen die Spieler wieder auf das Spielfeld.
After the break, the players ran back onto 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.
arena
Arena and Spielfeld can both refer to an area in which participants compete with one another. Arena focuses more on the open confrontation, while Spielfeld focuses more on the framework in which the participants act according to certain rules.
Im Wahlkampf wurde das Fernsehen zum Spielfeld für neue politische Strategien.
During the election campaign, television became the playing field for new political strategies.
Im Wahlkampf wurde das Fernsehen zur Arena eines harten politischen Streits.
During the election campaign, television became the arena for a fierce political dispute.
