German word

Flüchtling

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈflʏçtlɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounrefugee

Example

Die Flüchtlinge kamen gestern an.

The refugees arrived yesterday.

Illustration for Flüchtling (refugee)

More examples

Ich spreche oft mit Flüchtlingen im Sprachkurs.

I often speak with refugees in my language course.

Core concept

Someone forced from home by danger arrives in another country and looks for protection there.

Common phrases

  • mit Flüchtlingen sprechen

    speak with refugees

  • ein Flüchtling aus Syrien

    a refugee from Syria

  • Unterkunft für Flüchtlinge

    accommodation for refugees

Similar words

Geflüchtete: A gender-inclusive expression for someone who escaped danger and seeks safety abroad.
Asylsuchende: Someone undergoing a formal process to obtain asylum protection.
Schutzsuchende: Someone who requires protection from external danger or threats.
Migrant: Someone who relocated abroad by choice to pursue better work or living conditions.

Definition in German

eine Person, die ihr Heimatland aufgrund von Verfolgung, Krieg oder ernster Gefahr verlässt und in einem anderen Staat Schutz sucht

Word origin

The noun Flüchtling developed from flüchten through the productive German suffix -ling, which forms personal nouns from actions or conditions.

Usage tips

  • Geflüchtete is a common gender-inclusive alternative, whereas Asylsuchende specifically refers to people seeking asylum and is not always synonymous with Flüchtlinge.

Other meanings

  • exilenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Flüchtlingslagerrefugee campnoun
  • Flüchtlingshilferefugee aidnoun

Word lists with this word