das
Computerspiel
🎮 What Exactly is a Computerspiel?
Das Computerspiel (noun, neuter) refers to an electronic game played on a computer or a game console. It typically interacts with the user via an interface (like a keyboard, mouse, controller) and generates visual and often audio feedback on a screen or other output device.
It's a compound word formed from der Computer (the computer) and das Spiel (the game). Since the base word Spiel is neuter (das Spiel), das Computerspiel is also neuter.
The Grammar Behind the Gaming Fun
The word "Computerspiel" is a neuter noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Computerspiel |
| Genitive | des | Computerspiels / Computerspieles |
| Dative | dem | Computerspiel |
| Accusative | das | Computerspiel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Computerspiele |
| Genitive | der | Computerspiele |
| Dative | den | Computerspielen |
| Accusative | die | Computerspiele |
💡 Example Sentences
- Mein neues Computerspiel macht sehr viel Spaß. (My new computer game is a lot of fun.)
- Die Entwicklung von Computerspielen ist eine komplexe Aufgabe. (The development of computer games is a complex task.)
- Er verbringt Stunden mit seinen Computerspielen. (He spends hours with his computer games.)
- Der Markt für Computerspiele wächst ständig. (The market for computer games is constantly growing.)
Usage in Daily Life
The term das Computerspiel is used commonly to describe any type of game played on a computer or console. It covers a wide range of genres, from action games and strategy games to puzzle games.
Sometimes the term might be used slightly pejoratively to describe a supposedly childish or unproductive activity, but within the gaming community and the tech industry, it's a neutral standard term.
Synonyms like Videospiel (video game) or the Anglicism Game are also very common and often used interchangeably.
Memory Hooks
Remembering the Article: Think of das Spiel (the game). A computer game is just one type of game, so it keeps the article das. Imagine a child pointing at a screen saying: "Das is my Spiel!" – emphasizing the neutral 'das'. Or think: Technology (like a computer) often feels neutral or tool-like, fitting 'das'.
Remembering the Meaning: The word is transparent: It's a Spiel (game) you play on a Computer. Easy, right? 😉
Related Terms: What's Similar, What's Opposite?
Synonyms
- das Videospiel: Very common synonym, often preferred when consoles are included.
- das Game: English term, very widespread, especially among younger people and in the gamer scene.
- das elektronische Spiel: Slightly more formal umbrella term (electronic game).
- das Zocken (colloquial verb): Refers to the activity of gaming.
Antonyms (Conceptual)
- das Brettspiel: Physical game on a board (board game).
- das Kartenspiel: Game played with cards (card game).
- die Realität / das echte Leben: Often mentioned as the opposite of the virtual world of computer games (reality / real life).
- die Arbeit / die Pflicht: Activities often seen as the opposite of leisure and games (work / duty).
⚠️ Similar Words
- der Spielcomputer: Refers to the hardware, the computer itself used for gaming (e.g., a game console). Not the game software!
😂 A Little Joke
Warum hat der Computer das Spiel verloren?
Weil er nicht genug RAM-Steine hatte, um seine Züge zu planen! 😉
Translation:
Why did the computer lose the game?
Because it didn't have enough RAM (memory) stones (pun on 'Bausteine' - building blocks/elements) to plan its moves!
Pixel Poetry: The Computerspiel
Auf dem Schirm, da flimmert's hell,
Das Computerspiel, schnell, schnell!
Tasten klicken, Maus bewegt,
Eine Welt wird hier gepflegt.
Monster jagen, Rätsel lösen,
Digitale Helden dösen
Nie, denn Level warten schon,
Auf dem virtuellen Thron.
Ob Strategie, ob Sprung und Lauf,
Nimmt das Spiel seinen Lauf.
Ein Klick, ein Start, die Flucht beginnt,
Bis der Highscore neu gewinnt.
Translation:
On the screen, it flickers bright,
The computer game, quick, quick flight!
Keys click, mouse moves with grace,
A world is nurtured in this place.
Chasing monsters, solving plight,
Digital heroes dozing
Never, for levels wait anew,
On the virtual throne for you.
Be it strategy, or jump and run,
The game's course has begun.
A click, a start, the escape takes hold,
'Til the high score story's told.
🧠 Riddle Time
Ich habe Welten, doch kein Land,
Ich habe Helden, doch keine Hand.
Ich brauche Strom, um zu erwachen,
Und bringe dich oft sehr zum Lachen (oder Fluchen!).
Was bin ich?(Answer: das Computerspiel)
Translation:
I have worlds, but no land,
I have heroes, but no hand.
I need power to awaken,
And often make you laugh (or curse!).
What am I?(Answer: the computer game)
Trivia & More
Word Composition
Das Computerspiel is a compound noun, composed of:
The gender of the compound word is determined by the last word (Grundwort), in this case das Spiel (neuter). Therefore, it is das Computerspiel.
Trivia
The computer game industry is one of the largest entertainment industries in the world today, with revenues often exceeding those of the film and music industries.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Computerspiel?
The correct form is always das Computerspiel (neuter). It derives from das Spiel (the game). Remember: A computer game is the ('das') game on the computer.