Nachspiel

Nachspiel is a German noun with several related meanings centered on what comes after an event. The core sense refers to the period, consequences, or aftereffects that follow an occurrence. The word is formed from nach (after) and Spiel (play, game), and its exact meaning depends on context. In everyday language it can denote the time after something has ended, the social gathering that follows, or the broader aftermath of an action or decision.

In sports, Nachspiel often appears in compounds such as Nachspielzeit, meaning the additional time allocated after regular play ends due to stoppages. More generally, it can refer to the post-match phase, including media coverage, discussions, and reactions that occur once a game is finished. The term is commonly encountered in sports journalism and fan discourse.

In cultural and social contexts, Nachspiel is widely used to denote an afterparty or informal gathering that takes place after a performance, concert, party, or other event. It can involve further socializing, drinks, and informal entertainment. Historically, in theatre or literary circles, Nachspiel referred to conversations or informal performances following the main work, though this usage is less common today.

Overall, Nachspiel denotes what follows an event, whether as time, consequences, or social activities. It is closely related to terms such as aftermath, postgame, and afterparty, depending on the setting. See also: afterparty, aftermath, postgame.