01
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
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Meanings
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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
'die Saison' and 'die Spielzeit' can both mean a period during which games are played or performances are staged. In the theater, opera, or an orchestra, 'Spielzeit' is often almost the same as 'Saison': the period with a year's program. In sports, however, there is an important difference. There, 'Saison' means the whole period with many games, for example from summer to spring. 'Spielzeit' can also mean the duration of a single game, for example 90 minutes. That is why the words can be confusing. Ask yourself: Is it about many events within a period, or about the duration of one game?
Spielzeit
Nach 90 Minuten Spielzeit stand es immer noch unentschieden.
After 90 minutes of playing time, the score was still tied.
Saison
Wegen vieler Verletzungen war die Saison für den Verein sehr schwierig.
Because of many injuries, the season was very difficult for the club.
In real life
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