German word

Landsmann

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlantsman/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncompatriot

Example

Er ist mein Landsmann.

He is a compatriot of mine.

Illustration for Landsmann (compatriot)

More examples

Auf der Reise traf ich einen Landsmann aus meiner Heimat.

During my trip, I met a compatriot from my homeland.

Core concept

A person from the same country or home region stands among familiar people separated from outsiders by their shared origin.

Common phrases

  • ein Landsmann aus meiner Heimat

    a compatriot from my homeland

  • mein Landsmann aus der Schulzeit

    my compatriot from my school days

Similar words

Mitbürger: A fellow citizen or resident of the same country or community.
Staatsbürger: A person who holds citizenship in a particular country.
Landsfrau: A woman from the same country or region of origin.

Definition in German

Bezeichnung für jemanden, der dieselbe nationale Herkunft oder denselben Heimatort hat.

Word origin

The compound Landsmann combines Land, meaning country or home region, with Mann, meaning man, and its modern generic use extends beyond its historical male reference.

Usage tips

  • The usual plural is Landsleute, an irregular form rather than a literal plural such as Landsmanns.

Other meanings

  • fellow townsmannoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Landsmannschafthometown associationnoun
  • landsmännischof one's native regionadjective

Word lists with this word