Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schauspieler | [ˈʃaʊ̯ˌʃpiːlɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Schauspielerin | [ˈʃaʊ̯ˌʃpiːlə.ʁɪn] (narrow) | feminine |
| Akteur | /akˈtøːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Aktrice | feminine |
Schauspieler is used for a dramatic performer. Related terms include the compound word Filmstar for a movie star and Theaterdarsteller for a theater performer. For a more general term that can include actors, performers or participants in shows, you can use Darsteller.
What does it mean word for word?
Schauspieler is a compound of Schauspiel (play/drama) and Spieler (player/performer).
Which one should you use?
While Schauspieler refers specifically to a dramatic performer in a play or film, Akteur is more abstract and can refer to a person who takes an active role in a situation or a political or social context. If you want to refer specifically to theater actors, use Theaterschauspieler.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the feminine Schauspielerin is Schauspielerinnen.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Spiel can mean a play, a game, or even the 'play' or wiggle-room in a mechanical part, making the root of Schauspieler incredibly versatile.
- German allows for the creation of highly specific actor types by adding a prefix. For example, a Synchronsprecher is an actor who specifically provides the voice for dubbed films.
- The term Akteur shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'act', as both stem from the Latin agere, meaning 'to do' or 'to drive'.
Examples in context
- Ich mag den Schauspieler.I like the actor.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for a specific Schauspieler.Tatoeba #2981027 by pne, translation #254609 by shekitten
- Tom ist kein Schauspieler.Tom isn't an actor.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is not a Schauspieler.Tatoeba #5581294 by BlundaInte, translation #5578768 by CK
- Ich bin kein Schauspieler.I'm not an actor.This sentence is useful for stating that you are not a Schauspieler.Tatoeba #10103575 by wolfgangth, translation #5758166 by CM
- Er ist ein talentierter Schauspieler.He is a talented actor.
- Sie ist eine erfolgreiche Schauspielerin.She is a successful actress.
- Der Theaterschauspieler hat eine beeindruckende Stimme.The theater actor has an impressive voice.
- Er ist ein großartiger Schauspieler.He is a great actor.
- Sie ist eine lustige Schauspielerin.She is a funny actress.
- Die Darsteller haben das Publikum begeistert.The actors/performers enthralled the audience.
- 126 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SarahDer Schauspieler war wirklich sehr gut.The actor was really very good.
- LukasJa, er hat die Rolle perfekt gespielt.Yes, he played the role perfectly.
- SarahIst er ein bekannter Schauspieler?Is he a famous actor?
- LukasIch glaube, er ist erst am Anfang.I think he is just at the beginning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “actor” translations and entries Schauspieler, Schauspielerin, Akteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Akteur, Schauspieler, Schauspielerin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
