Is 'Ausländer' an English word?

No, it is a German loanword. It is only used in English when directly referring to the German term or concepts specific to Germany.

What is the difference between 'Ausländer' and 'Immigrant'?

'Ausländer' is a legal status based solely on citizenship. An 'Immigrant' (Einwanderer) refers to a person who has moved to a country to settle, regardless of whether they have obtained citizenship. An immigrant can eventually stop being an Ausländer by naturalising.

Why is the term considered problematic by some?

It defines individuals purely by what they are not (not German) and can imply a permanent state of otherness, even for people born and raised in Germany but holding a different passport. It's seen as failing to acknowledge belonging or integration.

How should I translate 'Ausländer' into English?

Depending on context: 'foreign national' or 'alien' for legal texts, 'foreigner' for general use, but often a more specific phrase like 'person without German citizenship' or 'resident with a migration background' is more accurate for social contexts.

auslander

Low

UK/ˈaʊsˌlɛndə/US/ˈaʊsˌlɛndər/

Formal / Official

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A German word meaning 'foreigner' or 'alien', referring to a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living.

In German context, it specifically denotes a person without German citizenship. The term can carry social and political weight, implying a distinction between native Germans and those perceived as outsiders, and has been central to debates on immigration and integration.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

While technically a neutral legal term for 'foreign national', its usage in everyday German can be problematic and is often perceived as exclusionary, highlighting 'otherness'. Many official and media sources now prefer terms like 'Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund' (people with a migration background) for residents, or specific legal statuses.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Not an English word. It appears only in English contexts when directly referencing German language, culture, or policies. An English speaker might use it in quotes or when discussing Germany specifically.

Connotations

In an English context, it is recognized as a German loanword and carries the connotations it has in contemporary German discourse: often perceived as a cold, bureaucratic, or slightly pejorative term for 'foreigner'.

Frequency

Extremely rare in general English use. Appears almost exclusively in academic, journalistic, or historical texts concerning Germany.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Germanpermanentstatus

medium

many Ausländerrights oflive as an

weak

newyoungcertain

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Noun] + sein + ein AusländerGesetz für AusländerDiskussion über Ausländer

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

Fremder (stranger/foreigner)Nichtdeutscher (non-German)

Neutral

foreign nationalnon-citizenalien (legal)

Weak

ImmigrantZugewanderter (person who moved here)Migrant

Vocabulary

Antonyms

InländerEinheimischerStaatsbürgerDeutscher

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Ausländerfeindlichkeit (xenophobia)”
“Ausländerbehörde (foreigners' registration office)”
“Ausländerrecht (aliens' law)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

May appear in HR contexts regarding work permits for non-German employees in Germany.

Academic

Used in sociology, political science, and history papers discussing German immigration policy, identity, and integration.

Everyday

Virtually non-existent in everyday English conversation outside of specific discussions about Germany.

Technical

A term in German legal and administrative language.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

The Ausländer policy was debated.
He held an Ausländer passport.

American English

The Ausländer policy was debated.
She faced Ausländer registration requirements.

Examples

By CEFR Level

He is an Ausländer in Germany.

The word 'Ausländer' is common in German official forms.

The political debate focused on the rights and integration of Ausländer.

Sociologists argue that the persistent use of the term 'Ausländer' perpetuates a binary 'us vs. them' mentality, hindering true social cohesion.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'OUT-LAND-er': someone from an OUTside LAND.

Conceptual Metaphor

THE NATION IS A CONTAINER (Inländer are inside, Ausländer are outside).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with just 'иностранец'. 'Ausländer' has stronger bureaucratic/legal and potentially exclusionary overtones in modern usage. A more neutral translation in many contexts might be 'имеющий миграционное прошлое' or specifying a legal status.

Common Mistakes

Using it as a general English word for 'foreigner'.
Pronouncing it as /ɔːsˈlændər/ instead of /ˈaʊsˌlɛndər/.
Assuming it is a polite or neutral term in all contexts.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In modern German discourse, the term '' is often avoided in favour of more inclusive language.

Multiple Choice

In what context would an English speaker most appropriately use the word 'Ausländer'?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a German loanword. It is only used in English when directly referring to the German term or concepts specific to Germany.
: 'Ausländer' is a legal status based solely on citizenship. An 'Immigrant' (Einwanderer) refers to a person who has moved to a country to settle, regardless of whether they have obtained citizenship. An immigrant can eventually stop being an Ausländer by naturalising.
: It defines individuals purely by what they are not (not German) and can imply a permanent state of otherness, even for people born and raised in Germany but holding a different passport. It's seen as failing to acknowledge belonging or integration.
: Depending on context: 'foreign national' or 'alien' for legal texts, 'foreigner' for general use, but often a more specific phrase like 'person without German citizenship' or 'resident with a migration background' is more accurate for social contexts.