die Spielregel
game rule
A rule that defines the procedure and conditions of a game.
EXAMPLE
Bevor wir anfangen, musst du mir die Spielregeln erklären.
Before we start, you have to explain the game rules to me.
die Spielregel
game rule
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Meanings
die Spielregel
rules of the game
An unwritten behavioral norm or convention in a particular social or professional environment.
EXAMPLE
In der Politik gelten oft andere Spielregeln als im Privatleben.
In politics, the rules of the game are often different from those in private life.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'das Spiel' (game) and 'die Regel' (rule). So it literally means a rule for a game.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Kartenspiel hat seine eigenen Spielregeln.
Every card game has its own game rules.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with game rules are 'erklären' (to explain), 'lernen' (to learn), 'befolgen' (to follow), or 'sich halten an' (to adhere to). When you break a rule, you 'verstößt' 'gegen die Spielregeln' (violate the game rules).
EXAMPLE
Alle Spieler müssen sich an die Spielregeln halten.
All players must follow the game rules.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. When it is about social spheres such as 'Politik' (politics), 'Wirtschaft' (business/economy), or 'Berufsleben' (working life), it usually refers to unwritten behavioral norms.
EXAMPLE
Er ist neu in der Firma und muss die ungeschriebenen Spielregeln erst noch lernen.
He is new at the company and still has to learn the unwritten rules of the game.
Compare with
Spielregel vs Regel
rule / period
Regel and Spielregel can both determine behavior within a group. Regel is the neutral general term for a requirement or guideline. Spielregel is used figuratively outside a game and emphasizes an often-unwritten convention governing cooperation or social interaction.
Spielregel
Zu den ungeschriebenen Spielregeln unseres Teams gehört, einander ausreden zu lassen.
One of our team's unwritten rules of the game is to let each other finish speaking.
Regel
In unserem Team gilt die Regel, dass Besprechungen pünktlich beginnen.
Our team has a rule that meetings must start on time.
In real life
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