extra
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extra
A person who plays a role without their own lines in a film, television show, or play, often as part of a crowd.
Für die große Kampfszene wurden Hunderte von Statisten engagiert.
Hundreds of extras were hired for the big battle scene.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about film, television, or theater, it means a person without lines. In social or professional situations such as meetings or discussions, it means the passive, powerless role.
Für den neuen „Tatort“ werden noch Statisten gesucht.
Extras are still being sought for the new episode of 'Tatort'.
In the context of film and theater, 'Statist' (extra) is often used with certain verbs. Common combinations are 'Statisten engagieren' (to hire extras), 'Statisten suchen' (to look for extras), or 'als Statist arbeiten' (to work as an extra).
Er hat in seinen Semesterferien als Statist bei einer großen Filmproduktion gearbeitet.
During his semester break, he worked as an extra on a major film production.
In the figurative meaning, the word is often used in fixed expressions. Typical phrases are 'sich wie ein Statist fühlen' (to feel like a bystander), 'nur ein Statist sein' (to be only a bystander), or 'jemanden zum Statisten machen' (to reduce someone to a passive role).
In der neuen Teamstruktur war er nur noch ein Statist ohne echte Aufgaben.
In the new team structure, he was nothing more than a bystander without any real tasks.
actor
'der Schauspieler' and 'der Statist' both belong to film, television, or theater. They can therefore easily be confused. A 'Schauspieler' normally plays a real role, often with lines and an important part in the action. A 'Statist' is more likely to be seen in the background, for example in a crowd, and usually has no lines of their own. If someone plays a main or supporting role, you say 'Schauspieler'. If someone only takes part as a background person, 'Statist' is the right word.
Ich habe bei dem Dreh als Statist mitgemacht und stand nur kurz im Hintergrund.
I took part in the shoot as an extra and only stood briefly in the background.
Den Schauspieler aus dem Film habe ich sofort an seiner Stimme erkannt.
I immediately recognized the actor from the film by his voice.