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spielen

play

verb SHPEE-len Common

Also means

act

Usage Note

spielen covers games, sport, and music alike, but note the article rules: instruments take one (Klavier spielen uses none, while sports drop it too). A second sense is acting a role; eine Rolle spielen also means 'to matter'.

Examples

"Die Kinder spielen im Garten."

Natural Translation

The children are playing in the garden.

Literal Translation

The children play in-the garden.

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