German Conversation · Level 118
45 words
German word
Hauptrolle
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌʁɔlə/
Meaning
- feminine nounleading role
Example
Sie spielt die Hauptrolle im neuen Film.
She plays the leading role in the new film.
More examples
Mit der Hauptrolle ist viel Verantwortung verbunden.
The leading role comes with a lot of responsibility.
Core concept
The role at the center of a story, performance, or important undertaking.
Common phrases
die Hauptrolle spielen
play the leading role
die Hauptrolle übernehmen
take on the leading role
Similar words
Hauptdarsteller: The main actor in a performance or film.
Protagonist: The principal character who advances the story through actions and feelings.
Hauptfigur: A major character closely involved in the story.
Schlüsselrolle: A role that decisively shapes events or a process.
Definition in German
Die Hauptrolle ist die führende Rolle, die den Handlungsverlauf maßgeblich bestimmt.
Word origin
German combines Haupt, meaning main, with Rolle, a word borrowed through French for a role, to form Hauptrolle for a leading role or function.
Usage tips
- The phrase eine Hauptrolle spielen also applies outside entertainment when a person or factor has a major influence on events.
Other meanings
- important rolenoun
Opposites
- Nebenrollesupporting rolenoun
Related words
- Hauptdarstellerlead actornoun
- hauptsächlichmainlyadjective