Mitspieler

Mitspieler is a German noun meaning “fellow players” or “co-players.” It refers to individuals who participate in a game together, and is commonly used in the context of board games, card games, video games, and live role-playing games. The term contrasts with Gegenspieler (opponent) and Zuschauer (spectator).

Etymology and gender: The word derives from mit “with” and spielen “to play.” In generic usage, Mitspieler denotes participants of mixed gender; the singular feminine form is Mitspielerin, and the plural feminine form Mitspielerinnen. For gender-inclusive writing, forms such as Mitspielerinnen und Mitspieler or Mitspieler*innen are used.

Usage: The term appears in game rules, instructions, and discussions to identify the other participants in a session, for example, “Meine Mitspieler freuen sich auf das Finale” or “Ich spiele heute mit drei Mitspielern.” In online contexts, Mitspieler refers to co-players you interact with, distinct from opponents or teammates depending on the game’s structure.

Relation to other terms: While often used synonymously with Spieler, Mitspieler emphasizes joint participation rather than an individual role; its sense of competition or cooperation depends on the game’s setup.