VERB
spielen/ˈʃpiːlən/to play; to act; to perform
spielen is a German verb that means to play, to act, or to perform. It is pronounced /ˈʃpiːlən/. In conjugation, the simple past is "spielte" and the past participle is "gespielt".
Definitions
1.to engage in a game or playful activity(games, activities)
a.to participate in games or sports
Die Kinder spielen im Garten Fußball.—The children are playing football in the garden.
b.to play with toys
Das Kind spielt mit seinen Bausteinen.—The child is playing with its building blocks.
2.to perform music or a role(music, performance)
a.to play an instrument or music
Sie spielt Klavier.—She plays the piano.
b.to act in theater or film
Er spielt die Hauptrolle im Stück.—He plays the lead role in the play.
Conjugation
| Infinitive | spielen |
|---|---|
| Present (ich) | spiele |
| Present (du) | spielst |
| Present (er/sie/es) | spielt |
| Preterite (ich) | spielte |
| Participle II | gespielt |
| Konjunktiv II (ich) | spielte |
| Imperative (singular) | spiel |
| Imperative (plural) | spielt |
| Auxiliary | haben |
Frequently asked questions
- What does "spielen" mean in English?
- "spielen" means to play, to act, or to perform. It is a German verb.
- How do you pronounce "spielen"?
- "spielen" is pronounced /ˈʃpiːlən/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
- What is the past participle of "spielen"?
- The past participle (Partizip II) of "spielen" is "gespielt", used with the auxiliary "haben".
- What is the simple past of "spielen"?
- In the simple past (Präteritum), "spielen" becomes "spielte" in the first person singular.
- What part of speech is "spielen"?
- "spielen" is a verb in German.
