German word

Spielfilm

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃpiːlˌfɪlm/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfeature film

Example

Wir sehen heute einen Spielfilm im Kino.

We're watching a feature film at the cinema today.

Illustration for Spielfilm (feature film)

More examples

Wir empfahlen den Spielfilm unseren Freunden.

We recommended the feature film to our friends.

Core concept

A longer fictional story unfolds through scenes performed by actors on screen.

Common phrases

  • einen Spielfilm anschauen

    view a feature film

  • einen Spielfilm empfehlen

    recommend a feature film

  • über einen Spielfilm diskutieren

    discuss a feature film

Similar words

Film: A work made of moving images, including fictional, factual, or artistic productions.
Dokumentarfilm: A film centered on real events, people, or issues rather than invented stories.
Kurzfilm: A film with a short running time, often telling a brief or experimental story.
Fernsehfilm: A film produced primarily for broadcast on television rather than cinema release.

Definition in German

Ein längerer, erzählender Film mit gespielten Szenen, im Gegensatz zu Kurzfilm oder Dokumentarfilm.

Word origin

The compound combines German Spiel in the sense of acting or performance with Film, forming a term for a staged narrative movie.

Usage tips

  • Spielfilm is masculine, with the plural Spielfilme; its noun capitalization is required in German.

Other meanings

  • fiction filmnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Spielfilmlängefeature-film running timenoun
  • Spielfilmkritikfeature-film reviewnoun

Word lists with this word