German word

Spielraum

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃpiːlʁaʊ̯m/

Meaning

  • masculine nounleeway

Example

Für Änderungen haben wir noch Spielräume.

We still have some leeway for changes.

Illustration for Spielraum (leeway)

More examples

Im Zeitplan blieb noch genug Spielraum für Verzögerungen.

There was still enough leeway in the schedule for delays.

Core concept

A fenced-off area contains enough open space to shift things without leaving its limits.

Common phrases

  • zeitlicher Spielraum

    time leeway

  • persönlicher Spielraum

    personal leeway

Similar words

Handlungsspielraum: Freedom to take concrete action while following a policy or plan.
Ermessensspielraum: Room to decide how a matter is handled using judgment and discretion.
Gestaltungsspielraum: Freedom to shape the details of a task or plan.

Definition in German

Freiheit, innerhalb eines festgelegten Rahmens kleine Änderungen oder Anpassungen vorzunehmen.

Word origin

The compound joins Spiel, related to play or activity, with Raum, meaning space, and extends from space for activity to room for action or adjustment.

Usage tips

  • Spielraum is masculine, and its plural Spielräume changes the vowel as well as adding -e.

Other meanings

  • scopenoun
  • roomnoun
  • latitudenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word