Meaning
To risk something valuable in the hope of gaining something else.
Cultural Background
Germans have a cultural concept called 'German Angst', which relates to a high desire for security. Risking things 'aufs Spiel' is often seen more negatively than in more risk-tolerant cultures. In Swiss German, the phrase is used similarly, but the Swiss value of 'Neutralität' and 'Stabilität' makes the warning even more potent in political contexts. Austrians might use the phrase with a bit more 'Schmäh' (sarcastic humor), but the gravity remains the same in official matters. In the 'Mittelstand' (medium-sized companies), long-term stability is preferred over high-risk growth. 'Aufs Spiel setzen' is a common phrase in board meetings to shut down risky ideas.
Use 'aufs', not 'auf das'
While 'auf das' is correct, using 'aufs' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't forget the Accusative
The thing you are risking must be in the accusative case. 'Meinen Job', not 'Mein Job'.
Meaning
To risk something valuable in the hope of gaining something else.
Use 'aufs', not 'auf das'
While 'auf das' is correct, using 'aufs' makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't forget the Accusative
The thing you are risking must be in the accusative case. 'Meinen Job', not 'Mein Job'.
Combine with 'leichtfertig'
Use the adverb 'leichtfertig' (carelessly) to add more flavor: 'Er setzt seine Zukunft leichtfertig aufs Spiel.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Er möchte seine Karriere nicht ______ ______ setzen.
The standard idiom is 'aufs Spiel setzen'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Risking your health.
'Gesundheit' is feminine, and 'setzen' requires the accusative case, so 'deine' is correct.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Matching risks.
These are the three most common risk-related idioms in German.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: 'Ich werde den Chef anlügen.' B: 'Tu das nicht! Du ______ ______ ______ ______!'
B is warning A about an action, so the active 'setzen' is required with the masculine accusative 'deinen Job'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEr möchte seine Karriere nicht ______ ______ setzen.
The standard idiom is 'aufs Spiel setzen'.
Risking your health.
'Gesundheit' is feminine, and 'setzen' requires the accusative case, so 'deine' is correct.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common risk-related idioms in German.
A: 'Ich werde den Chef anlügen.' B: 'Tu das nicht! Du ______ ______ ______ ______!'
B is warning A about an action, so the active 'setzen' is required with the masculine accusative 'deinen Job'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it sounds too dramatic. Use it for things that really matter, like health, money, or love.
No, but 'auf das Spiel setzen' is very rare in spoken German. 'Aufs' is the idiomatic standard.
'Riskieren' is a neutral verb. 'Etwas aufs Spiel setzen' is more vivid and emphasizes the potential loss of a 'stake'.
Yes, this is a very common and dramatic way to say you are risking your life.
Related Phrases
auf dem Spiel stehen
similarTo be at stake
alles auf eine Karte setzen
similarTo bet everything on one card
Kopf und Kragen riskieren
specialized formTo risk head and collar
mit dem Feuer spielen
similarTo play with fire
