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.
bystander
In a figurative sense, a person who plays only a passive, insignificant role in a particular situation and has no influence.
Er fühlte sich in der Besprechung wie ein Statist und traute sich nicht, etwas zu sagen.
He felt like a bystander in the meeting and didn't dare say anything.
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
A Schauspieler plays a role in a film or theater production and has a performing role. A Statist usually appears in the background without their own lines; no individual acting performance is necessarily required. Use Schauspieler for the acting activity and Statist for a silent background role.
Für die Szene auf dem Marktplatz arbeitet er als Statist ohne eigenen Text.
He is working as an extra for the marketplace scene, without any lines of his own.
Der Schauspieler stellt im Film einen Arzt dar und spricht mehrere wichtige Texte.
The actor plays a doctor in the film and delivers several important lines.
