Also means
act
Usage Note
spielen covers games, sport, and music alike, but note the article rules: instruments take one (Klavier spielen uses none, while sports drop it too). A second sense is acting a role; eine Rolle spielen also means 'to matter'.
Examples
"Die Kinder spielen im Garten."
Natural Translation
The children are playing in the garden.
Literal Translation
The children play in-the garden.
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