ab|spielen
Translation
to play, to take place, to happen, to unfold
Examples
Kannst du die CD abspielen?
Can you play the CD?
Die Szene spielt sich am Bahnhof ab.
The scene takes place at the train station.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to play (sth.) Can you play the music?
sich ((abspielen)) to take place, to happen The film takes place in Berlin.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wiedergeben (to play back), stattfinden (to take place), geschehen (to happen)
Etymology
From `ab-` (off, down) + `spielen` (to play). Literally 'to play off' something, like playing music from a device.
Memory Tips
Think of 'playing' a file 'off' a device. For the reflexive form `sich abspielen`, imagine a scene 'playing itself out'.