der  Spielbeginn

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃpiːlˌbɪnɡɪn/

🎯 What exactly is 'der Spielbeginn'?

The German noun der Spielbeginn (masculine) refers to the point in time when a game, match, or competition officially starts. It's the kick-off moment for the action, whether in sports, board games, or video games.

• There is only one article: der Spielbeginn.
• It always refers to the temporal start of a game event.

🧐 Grammar: 'Der Spielbeginn' in Detail

The noun 'Spielbeginn' is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Der Spielbeginn verzögert sich wegen des Regens. (The start of the game is delayed due to the rain.)
2. Wir warten gespannt auf den Spielbeginn. (We are eagerly awaiting the start of the game.)
3. Der Schiedsrichter pfiff pünktlich zum Spielbeginn. (The referee blew the whistle right at the start of the game.)
4. Die Spielbeginne der verschiedenen Partien wurden gestaffelt. (The start times of the various matches were staggered.)

💡 How 'Spielbeginn' is Used

The term Spielbeginn is primarily used in contexts where there's a clearly defined start to a game:

• Sports: Fußball (football/soccer), Basketball, Tennis, etc. (e.g., „Der Spielbeginn ist um 15:30 Uhr.“ - The game starts at 3:30 PM.)
• Board and card games: (e.g., „Lasst uns die Regeln vor Spielbeginn klären.“ - Let's clarify the rules before the game starts.)
• Video games: Often the moment the actual gameplay begins.
• Theatre/Performance: Less common here; 'Vorstellungsbeginn' (start of the show) or 'Anfang' (beginning) are more typical.

It's a more formal term than simply 'Anfang' or 'Start' when specifically referring to a game. Confusion is unlikely due to its very specific meaning.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Anpfiff (the whistle/kick-off) or der Startschuss (the starting shot) – both are masculine (der) and mark the Spielbeginn.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound: Spiel (game) + Beginn (start/beginning). It literally means the beginning of the game. Quite straightforward!

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: While 'Start' can be a synonym, 'Spielbeginn' is more specific to games and matches.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum kommen Schnecken immer zu spät zum Spielbeginn?

(Why are snails always late for the start of the game?)

Weil sie auf dem Weg zum Stadion immer auf der Kriechspur sind!

(Because they're always in the slow lane (lit: crawling lane) on the way to the stadium!)

📜 Poem about 'Spielbeginn'

Die Spannung steigt, die Luft vibriert,
(The tension rises, the air vibrates,)
Ein jeder auf den Startschuss giert.
(Everyone craves the starting shot.)
Der Schiri schaut auf seine Uhr,
(The ref looks at his watch,)
Noch eine Sekunde nur.
(Just one more second.)
Dann endlich ist es nun so weit,
(Then finally the time has come,)
Der Spielbeginn - für Kampf bereit!
(The start of the game - ready for the fight!)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin der Start, doch kein Motor.
(I am the start, but not an engine.)
Ich läute ein, was kommt hervor?
(I herald what is to come?)
Ob Ball, ob Karte, digital,
(Whether ball, or card, digital,)
Ich starte es, zum ersten Mal.
(I start it, for the first time.)

What am I? (The Answer: Der Spielbeginn)

🧩 Additional Info

Word Composition:

The word 'Spielbeginn' is a compound noun, formed from:

• Das Spiel: (Noun, neuter) - game, play
• Der Beginn: (Noun, masculine) - start, beginning

Interestingly, the gender of a German compound noun is determined by the last component. Since 'Beginn' is masculine ('der'), the compound word 'Spielbeginn' is also masculine ('der').