der Springer
jumper
A person who jumps, especially as an athlete in disciplines such as track and field, ski jumping, or diving.
EXAMPLE
Der Skispringer landete bei einer Weite von 140 Metern.
The ski jumper landed at a distance of 140 meters.
der Springer
jumper / knight
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Meanings
der Springer
knight
A piece in chess that moves across the board in an L-shaped move.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinem Springer bedrohte er gleichzeitig den König und die Dame.
With his knight, he threatened the king and the queen at the same time.
der Springer
floater
A person in a company or organization who is used as a flexible substitute for various positions or tasks.
EXAMPLE
Wenn ein Kollege krank ist, kommt unser Springer zum Einsatz.
When a colleague is sick, our floater is called in.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Springer' (jumper) is derived directly from the verb 'springen' (to jump). The ending '-er' refers to the person or thing that performs the action. This pattern is very common in German, e.g. 'laufen' (to run) → 'der Läufer' (the runner).
EXAMPLE
Der Springer bereitete sich auf den Absprung vor.
The jumper prepared for the takeoff.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Springer' (jumper / knight / floater) from the context. In sports, it refers to athletes; in chess, to the piece; and in the office, to a flexible employee.
EXAMPLE
Der Wasserspringer gewann die Goldmedaille.
The diver won the gold medal.
Sports
In sports, 'Springer' (jumper) is usually used as part of a compound word that names the discipline. Examples are 'Skispringer' (ski jumper), 'Wasserspringer' (diver), or 'Weitspringer' (long jumper).
EXAMPLE
Der Skispringer landete sicher auf beiden Beinen.
The ski jumper landed safely on both feet.
Use at work
In the workplace, a 'Springer' (floater) is a person without a fixed position who is assigned wherever staff are missing. The matching verb is 'einspringen' (to fill in).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Abteilung ist froh, dass morgen ein Springer für den kranken Kollegen einspringt.
Our department is glad that tomorrow a floater will fill in for the sick colleague.
Compare with
Springer vs Pferd
horse
Pferd and Springer can refer to the same chess piece. In standard chess terminology, it is called a Springer; Pferd also describes the piece, but is not the usual technical term. Springer is therefore the better choice when explaining or recording a move.
Springer
Im Schachkurs erklärt der Trainer: „Der Springer zieht auf f3.“
In the chess class, the coach explains, “The knight moves to f3.”
Pferd
Beim Spielen zu Hause sagt Mia: „Mein Pferd zieht auf f3.“
When playing at home, Mia says, “My knight moves to f3.”
In real life
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