In 15 Seconds
- Means something is important or has an influence.
- Use 'keine Rolle' to say something doesn't matter.
- Common in both professional and casual German conversations.
Meaning
This phrase is used to say that something is important, relevant, or has an influence on a situation. It is like saying a factor is an 'actor' on the stage of your life.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a budget with a partner
Der Preis spielt für mich eine große Rolle.
The price plays a big role for me.
At a job interview
Meine Erfahrung in Berlin spielt eine wichtige Rolle.
My experience in Berlin plays an important role.
Texting a friend who is worried about being late
Mach dir keinen Stress, fünf Minuten spielen keine Rolle.
Don't stress, five minutes don't matter.
Cultural Background
Germans value efficiency; this phrase helps prioritize tasks. Used similarly, often with a slightly more polite tone. Used in formal business contexts to maintain neutrality. Used in international German-speaking offices to discuss KPIs.
Use adjectives
Add 'wichtig' or 'groß' to sound more natural.
In 15 Seconds
- Means something is important or has an influence.
- Use 'keine Rolle' to say something doesn't matter.
- Common in both professional and casual German conversations.
What It Means
Imagine a theater stage. Every actor has a specific part. In real life, factors like money, time, or weather are actors. If they affect the outcome, they spielen eine Rolle. It simply means they are significant. It is a very common way to express importance. You are basically saying, "This factor is on the stage."
How To Use It
You will mostly use the verb spielen at the end. For example, Das Geld spielt eine Rolle. If something doesn't matter, use keine. Das spielt keine Rolle. You can spice it up with adjectives. Use eine große Rolle for something very important. It is very easy to plug into sentences. Just remember to conjugate spielen correctly.
When To Use It
Use it when you are making a choice. Use it to explain your motivations. It works perfectly in a job interview. It also works when texting your friends. If you are picking a restaurant, the price spielt eine Rolle. It makes you sound very articulate. It is great for weighing different options.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for sports or board games. If you are playing Monopoly, use mitspielen. Do not use it for "playing a joke" on someone. It is strictly about influence and relevance. While it comes from theater, we rarely use it for literal acting. Use schauspielern for that instead. Don't use it for physical play.
Cultural Background
Germans love to weigh the pros and cons. This phrase is a tool for that. It helps organize thoughts during a discussion. It shows you are looking at the big picture. It is a very "rational" expression. It has been popular since the 18th century. It reflects a logical approach to problem-solving.
Common Variations
The most popular version is Das spielt keine Rolle. It is a polite way to say "never mind". You might also hear eine untergeordnete Rolle. This means something is not very important. It is like a background actor in your life. You can also say eine entscheidende Rolle for something critical.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and can be used in any setting. Just be careful with the adjective endings for 'Rolle' as it is a feminine noun.
Use adjectives
Add 'wichtig' or 'groß' to sound more natural.
Examples
6Der Preis spielt für mich eine große Rolle.
The price plays a big role for me.
Using 'große' emphasizes that the price is a major factor.
Meine Erfahrung in Berlin spielt eine wichtige Rolle.
My experience in Berlin plays an important role.
A professional way to highlight relevant skills.
Mach dir keinen Stress, fünf Minuten spielen keine Rolle.
Don't stress, five minutes don't matter.
A kind way to say something is insignificant.
Kalorien spielen am Wochenende keine Rolle!
Calories don't play a role on the weekend!
Using the phrase to jokingly ignore rules.
Das Vertrauen spielte am Ende eine entscheidende Rolle.
Trust played a decisive role in the end.
Used here to explain a deep, serious reason.
Das Wetter spielt heute leider eine Rolle.
The weather unfortunately plays a role today.
Meaning the weather will affect the plans.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
Das Wetter ____ bei unserer Reise eine große Rolle.
The subject 'Das Wetter' is 3rd person singular.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesDas Wetter ____ bei unserer Reise eine große Rolle.
The subject 'Das Wetter' is 3rd person singular.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, 'Er spielt eine wichtige Rolle in der Firma'.
Related Phrases
eine wichtige Rolle spielen
specialized formTo play an important role
keine Rolle spielen
contrastTo not matter
