das Spielchen
Translation
little game, petty game, scheme
Examples
Lass uns ein kleines Spielchen spielen.
Let's play a little game.
Ich habe keine Lust auf deine Spielchen.
I'm not in the mood for your petty games.
Grammar Patterns
ein Spielchen spielen to play a little game We're just playing a little game.
j-s Spielchen sb.'s petty games I'm done with your petty games.
Similar Words
Spiel (game), Intrige (intrigue), Trick (trick)
Etymology
Diminutive form of 'Spiel' (game) with the suffix '-chen', meaning 'little game'.
Memory Tips
The '-chen' suffix makes things small or cute, but it can also imply something is trivial or deceitful, hence 'petty game' or 'scheme'.