gastarbeiter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It is a German loanword adopted into English. In English texts, it is typically italicised or placed in quotation marks on first use to indicate its foreign origin, but it is listed in major English dictionaries.

When used in its precise historical context, it is a neutral technical term. However, using it to describe a contemporary migrant worker could be seen as dated, inaccurate, or potentially reductionist, as it evokes a specific historical programme with its own political baggage. Terms like 'migrant worker' or 'international worker' are generally safer for modern contexts.

In English, both 'Gastarbeiter' (following the German unchanged plural) and the anglicised 'Gastarbeiters' are used. 'Gastarbeiters' is more common in general English writing.

The distinction is often one of perceived skill level, origin, and connotation. 'Gastarbeiter' typically refers to lower-skilled labour migration from poorer to richer countries (especially in a European historical context). 'Expatriate' often refers to skilled professionals, frequently from wealthy countries, working abroad, and carries connotations of privilege and choice. The line is socially constructed and can be controversial.

A person who has moved to another country for work, specifically associated with programmes in post-war Germany (and other German-speaking areas) to recruit temporary labour, primarily from Southern Europe and Turkey.

Gastarbeiter is usually formal, academic, historical, journalistic in register.

Gastarbeiter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːstˌɑːbaɪtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːstˌɑːrbaɪtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.