die Spielzeit
playing time
The fixed duration of a sporting event, for example a soccer or handball match.
EXAMPLE
Die reguläre Spielzeit im Fußball beträgt 90 Minuten.
The regular playing time in soccer is 90 minutes.
die Spielzeit
playing time / season
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Spielzeit
season
The annual period during which a theater, opera house, or orchestra performs its program; the season.
EXAMPLE
Das Theater hat für die neue Spielzeit fünf Premieren angekündigt.
The theater has announced five premieres for the new season.
die Spielzeit
playtime
The time available for children to play.
EXAMPLE
Nach den Hausaufgaben beginnt für die Kinder die Spielzeit im Garten.
After homework, playtime begins for the children in the garden.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'das Spiel' (the game/play) and 'die Zeit' (the time). It literally means 'time of the game' or 'time for playing', which explains the different meanings well.
EXAMPLE
Die Spielzeit ist gleich vorbei und es steht immer noch unentschieden.
Playing time is almost over, and the score is still tied.
Context clues
The exact meaning of 'Spielzeit' (playing time/season/playtime) becomes clear from context. In sports, people speak of 'reguläre Spielzeit' (regular playing time), in theater of the 'neue Spielzeit' (new season), and with children simply of 'Spielzeit' (playtime) in the afternoon.
EXAMPLE
In der Verlängerung der Spielzeit fiel das entscheidende Tor.
The decisive goal was scored in extra time.
Typical collocations in sports
In a sports context, fixed combinations such as 'reguläre Spielzeit' (regular playing time), 'Nachspielzeit' (stoppage time), or 'Verlängerung der Spielzeit' (extension of playing time/extra time) are very common.
EXAMPLE
Das Spiel endete nach der regulären Spielzeit unentschieden.
The match ended in a draw after regular playing time.
Typical collocations in theater
In the cultural field, people often speak of the 'neue' (new), 'kommende' (coming), or 'letzte' (last) 'Spielzeit' (season). 'Eröffnung der Spielzeit' (opening of the season) is also a common phrase.
EXAMPLE
Der Intendant plant für die nächste Spielzeit mehrere Klassiker.
The artistic director is planning several classics for the next season.
Compare with
Spielzeit vs Saison
season
Saison and Spielzeit can both refer to the annual period during which performances take place. Saison is the more general term for a period of cultural activity, while Spielzeit refers to the set program cycle of a theater, opera house, or orchestra. In an institutional context, Spielzeit is therefore usually the better choice.
Spielzeit
Mit der ersten Premiere beginnt die neue Spielzeit des Stadttheaters.
The city theater's new season begins with the first premiere.
Saison
Mit den ersten Freilichtaufführungen beginnt die kulturelle Saison der Stadt.
The city's cultural season begins with the first open-air performances.
In real life
Loading video examples...