German word

Bürger

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈbʏɐ̯gɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncitizen

Example

Viele Bürger wohnen in der Stadt.

Many citizens live in the city.

Illustration for Bürger (citizen)

More examples

Als Bürger kann man wählen.

As a citizen, one can vote.

Core concept

A town resident with civic standing rather than merely a place of residence.

Common phrases

  • ein Bürger

    a citizen

  • als Bürger

    as a citizen

  • mehrere Bürger

    several citizens

Similar words

Einwohner: A person who lives in a particular town or area.
Bewohner: A person who lives in a particular building or dwelling.
Staatsbürger: A person who holds the citizenship of a particular country.
Nachbar: A person who lives nearby, often in the same neighborhood.

Definition in German

Einwohner einer Stadt oder Gemeinde, oft im Sinn von jemandem mit kommunalen Rechten und politischer Teilhabe.

Word origin

The word is a Germanic formation from Burg, meaning "fortified settlement," and -er, so it originally referred to a person associated with a town or fortress.

Usage tips

  • Bürger usually means citizen rather than any resident, while Einwohner is the more neutral word for a resident.

Other meanings

  • bourgeoisnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word