minstrel / marching band musician
der Spielmann, die Spielleute
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minstrel
A musician, especially a former traveling musician who went from place to place and earned money by playing music.
Im Mittelalter zog der Spielmann von Dorf zu Dorf und spielte auf Festen.
In the Middle Ages, the minstrel traveled from village to village and played at festivals.
marching band musician
A musician in a marching band who plays at parades or public events.
Der Spielmann marschierte mit seiner Trommel an der Spitze des Umzugs.
The marching band musician marched at the front of the parade with his drum.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spielleute |
| genitive | des Spielmannes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Spielmann | die Spielleute |
| accusative | den Spielmann | die Spielleute |
| dative | dem Spielmann | den Spielleuten |
| genitive | des Spielmannes des Spielmanns | der Spielleute |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Spielmann' (minstrel) is made up of 'Spiel' (playing) and 'Mann' (man). Here, 'Spiel' refers to making music, not to a board game or computer game.
Der Spielmann unterhielt die Gäste mit einer Flöte und einer Trommel.
The minstrel entertained the guests with a flute and a drum.
In this meaning, 'Spielmann' (minstrel) often appears in historical or literary texts. Typical clues include a traveling minstrel, a minstrel on a journey, or music at a medieval festival.
Der fahrende Spielmann kam am Abend in die Stadt und spielte auf dem Marktplatz.
The traveling minstrel arrived in the city in the evening and played in the market square.
When referring to a musician in a parade, 'Spielmann' (marching band musician) is often used in connection with 'Spielmannszug' (marching band) or 'Spielmannskapelle' (marching band ensemble). These musicians usually perform as a group at public events.
Der Spielmann im Spielmannszug spielte während der Parade eine Trommel.
The marching band musician played a drum during the parade.
