Spiel
/ʃpiːl/
The German word for 'match' is Spiel.
Spiel refers to a pair of items or entities with mutually suitable characteristics.
Meaning: a pair of items or entities with mutually suitable characteristics (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Spiel is the general term, other words may be more appropriate depending on the context. Partie is used for specific game-related contexts like a chess match, Wettkampf refers to competitive matches or contests in formal sports and Begegnung is a formal term that emphasizes the encounter or meeting aspect of a match. In informal gaming or competitive contexts, the word Runde is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃpiːl/
Did you know?
- The word Spiel shares its ancient roots with the word 'dance', as the original Proto-West Germanic term referred to a rhythmic movement or dance.
- When talking about a 'match' in the sense of a romantic pairing, Germans do not use Spiel, but instead use the word Paar or describe them as passend.
- If you are talking about a match in a tournament, you might use the term Auftakt to describe the very first match or opening match of the event.
Examples in context
- Das Spiel war am Montag.The match was Monday.The sentence is useful for stating when the Spiel took place.Tatoeba #7431604 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5752414 by CM
- Das Spiel endete ohne Tor.The match ended goalless.The sentence is useful for describing the outcome of a Spiel.Tatoeba #1795797 by Tamy, translation #10055314 by sundown
- Hast du das Spiel gesehen?Did you watch the match?The sentence is useful for asking if someone watched a Spiel.Tatoeba #2479989 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11351831 by sundown
- Das Fußballspiel war spannend.The football match was exciting.
- Ich habe die Schachpartie gewonnen.I won the chess match.
- Lass uns das Fußballspiel zusammen anschauen.Let's watch the soccer match together.
- Ich habe gestern ein spannendes Basketballmatch gesehen.I watched a thrilling basketball match yesterday.
- Lass uns eine Runde Karten spielen.Let's play a round of cards.
- Die Schachpartie ist für nächste Woche angesetzt.The chess match is scheduled for next week.
- Das Fußballspiel findet im Stadion statt.The soccer match will be held at the stadium.
- Sie organisieren einen Kochwettkampf für wohltätige Zwecke.They are organizing a cooking match for charity.
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking about a tennis match they watched.
- JulianHast du das Spiel gestern gesehen?Did you see the match yesterday?
- SarahJa, das Spiel war wirklich spannend!Yes, the match was really exciting!
- JulianWer hat am Ende gewonnen?Who won in the end?
- SarahDer Favorit hat das Spiel gewonnen.The favorite won the match.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Spiel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Spiel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
