athlete
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athlete
A person who regularly practices a sport, especially at a competitive level or professionally.
Der Sportler trainiert täglich für die kommenden Olympischen Spiele.
The athlete trains every day for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The word 'Sportler' (athlete) is formed from the noun 'der Sport' (sport) and the ending '-ler'. This ending often refers to a person who performs a certain activity. The feminine form is formed regularly with '-in': 'die Sportlerin' (female athlete).
Die junge Sportlerin hat die Goldmedaille gewonnen.
The young female athlete won the gold medal.
The context tells you whether a professional or a generally sporty person is meant. Terms like 'Olympiade' (Olympics), 'Wettkampf' (competition), or 'Profi' (professional) point to the competitive athlete. Descriptions of everyday activities point to the more general meaning.
Der Profi-Sportler bereitet sich auf die Weltmeisterschaft vor.
The professional athlete is preparing for the World Championship.
In the context of competitive sports, 'Sportler' (athlete) is often combined with other nouns or adjectives, for example 'Leistungssportler' (competitive athlete), 'Profisportler' (professional athlete), 'Amateursportler' (amateur athlete), or 'olympischer Sportler' (Olympic athlete).
Als Leistungssportler muss man sehr diszipliniert leben.
As a competitive athlete, you have to live a very disciplined life.
player
'der Spieler' and 'der Sportler' can both describe people in sports. 'Spieler' fits especially with sports or games in which someone takes part in a specific game or match, for example 'Fußballspieler' (football player) or 'Tennisspieler' (tennis player). 'Sportler' is more general and means a person who regularly does sports, trains, or is physically active. So a football player is also a 'Sportler', but a runner or swimmer is not necessarily a 'Spieler'. The confusion arises because many athletes compete in games.
Nach dem Training achtet der Sportler auf genug Schlaf.
After training, the athlete makes sure to get enough sleep.
Der Spieler schießt kurz vor dem Ende das entscheidende Tor.
The player scores the decisive goal shortly before the end.