German Conversation · Level 121
45 words
German word
Laie
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈlaɪ̯ə/
Meaning
- masculine nounlayperson
Example
Ich bin kein Laie in diesem Bereich.
I'm no layperson in this field.
More examples
Als Laie kann man die technischen Details kaum beurteilen.
As a layperson, one can hardly assess the technical details.
Core concept
A person standing outside a specialist's field, using ordinary knowledge instead of professional training.
Common phrases
als Laie
as a layperson
für einen Laie
for a layperson
Laie auf dem Gebiet
a layperson in the field
Similar words
Anfänger: Someone at an early stage of learning, with limited experience.
Amateur: A person who engages in an activity for enjoyment rather than as a profession.
Definition in German
Person, die in einem Fachgebiet keine fundierten Fachkenntnisse oder berufliche Ausbildung besitzt; im Gegensatz zum Experten.
Word origin
Laie comes through German from Latin laicus, from Greek laikos, meaning 'of the people'; its sense broadened from a non-cleric to a person without specialist expertise.
Usage tips
- Laie is a masculine weak noun: its plural is Laien, and its accusative and dative singular forms are den Laien and dem Laien.