game master / director
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game master
A person who leads a board game or party game, especially a role-playing game, explains the rules, and moderates the flow of play.
Der Spielleiter erklärte den Neulingen die Regeln des komplexen Brettspiels.
The game master explained the rules of the complex board game to the newcomers.
director
A person who directs a theatrical performance, especially in amateur theater. The term is less common than 'Regisseur' (director).
Für das neue Stück der Laienbühne wird noch ein engagierter Spielleiter gesucht.
An enthusiastic director is still being sought for the amateur theater group's new play.
The word is made up of 'Spiel' (game) and 'Leiter' (leader). A 'Leiter' is a person who directs or leads something. So a Spielleiter is literally a person who leads a game.
Für unsere Rollenspiel-Runde brauchen wir noch einen erfahrenen Spielleiter.
We still need an experienced game master for our role-playing group.
The context makes it clear which meaning is intended. If it is about board games, role-playing games, or quiz shows, it means the person who moderates the game. In connection with theater or a stage, it means the person who directs.
Der Spielleiter würfelte verdeckt, um die Spannung zu erhöhen.
The game master rolled the dice secretly to increase the suspense.
In the context of games, the Spielleiter is often associated with certain tasks. Typical phrases are: 'Der Spielleiter erklärt die Regeln' (the game master explains the rules), 'erzählt die Geschichte' (tells the story), or 'trifft eine Entscheidung' (makes a decision).
Der Spielleiter beschrieb die unheimliche Höhle, die wir betreten sollten.
The game master described the eerie cave we were supposed to enter.
director
Regisseur is the general term for the artistic direction of a production. In theater, Spielleiter can mean the same thing, but it is less common and particularly common in amateur theater. In a general or professional context, Regisseur is usually the better choice.
Der Spielleiter leitet die Proben für die neue Inszenierung unserer Amateurgruppe.
The director is leading rehearsals for the new production of our amateur theater group.
Der Regisseur leitet die Proben für die neue Inszenierung am Stadttheater.
The director is leading rehearsals for the new production at the city theater.
