German word

Asyl

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈzyːl/

Meaning

  • neuter nounasylum

Example

Der Flüchtling suchte im Asyl Schutz.

The refugee sought asylum for protection.

Illustration for Asyl (asylum)

More examples

Die Familie beschloss, in Deutschland Asyl zu beantragen.

The family decided to apply for asylum in Germany.

Core concept

A safe harbor backed by public authority for someone forced to flee danger.

Common phrases

  • Asyl beantragen

    apply for asylum

  • politisches Asyl

    political asylum

  • Asyl gewähren

    grant asylum

Similar words

Schutz: The condition of being kept safe from harm or loss.
Zuflucht: A place offering safety to those escaping danger.
Asylverfahren: The formal procedure for submitting and assessing a refugee application.
Flüchtlingsstatus: A formally recognized status for someone protected from persecution.

Definition in German

Asyl, das, staatlich gewährter Aufenthalt und Schutz für Menschen, die wegen Verfolgung oder Bedrohung in einem anderen Land Zuflucht suchen.

Word origin

Asyl entered German through Latin asylum from Greek asylon, meaning a place that could not be seized, and came to denote protected refuge.

Usage tips

  • Asyl is neuter, so the standard article is das Asyl; the plural is Asyle.

Other meanings

  • shelternoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Asylbewerberasylum seekernoun
  • Asylrechtright to asylumnoun
  • Asylverfahrenasylum procedurenoun

Word lists with this word