spoilsport
der Spielverderber, die Spielverderber
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spoilsport
A person who spoils other people's fun or enjoyment, for example through constant criticism, bans, or unfair behavior.
Sei kein Spielverderber und komm mit uns feiern!
Don't be a spoilsport—come and party with us!
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Spielverderber |
| genitive | des Spielverderbers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Spielverderber | die Spielverderber |
| accusative | den Spielverderber | die Spielverderber |
| dative | dem Spielverderber | den Spielverderbern |
| genitive | des Spielverderbers | der Spielverderber |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Spielverderber' (spoilsport) is made up of 'Spiel' (game) and 'Verderber' (someone who spoils something). The second part comes from the verb 'verderben' (to spoil) and here refers to someone who spoils the enjoyment of a shared activity.
Mit seinen ständigen Beschwerden wurde er zum Spielverderber des ganzen Abends.
His constant complaints made him the spoilsport of the whole evening.
'Spielverderber' (spoilsport) is a colloquial word often used directly as a reproach or playful criticism. It is particularly common after 'sein' (to be) or with 'kein' (no / not a).
Ach komm, du bist doch sonst auch kein Spielverderber!
Oh, come on, you're not usually a spoilsport!
Common phrases include 'ein echter Spielverderber sein' (to be a real spoilsport), 'als Spielverderber gelten' (to be considered a spoilsport), and 'jemanden als Spielverderber bezeichnen' (to call someone a spoilsport). The word can be used seriously or jokingly.
Wer die Musik sofort ausschalten will, gilt bei uns schnell als Spielverderber.
In our group, anyone who wants to turn the music off straight away is quickly seen as a spoilsport.
