German word

Neuling

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnɔʏ̯lɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbeginner

Example

Ich bin ein Neuling in diesem Kurs.

I'm a beginner in this course.

Illustration for Neuling (beginner)

More examples

Ich fühle mich als Neuling im Team.

I feel like a beginner on the team.

Core concept

A person at the edge of an unfamiliar group, watching closely while learning how things work.

Common phrases

  • als Neuling gelten

    be considered a beginner

  • sich als Neuling fühlen

    feel like a beginner

Similar words

Anfänger: Someone who has just started learning a skill and has little experience.
Einsteiger: A learner at an introductory level who is mastering the basics.
Neuzugang: A person newly joining a team or facility as a member.

Definition in German

Ein Substantiv für jemanden, der neu in einer Umgebung ist und noch nicht viel Erfahrung oder Wissen in diesem Bereich besitzt.

Word origin

Neuling combines the adjective neu, meaning 'new', with the person-forming suffix -ling.

Usage tips

  • Neuling is masculine, with the plural Neulinge, and can describe both a newcomer to a group and a beginner in a subject.

Other meanings

  • newcomernoun
  • novicenoun

Opposites

  • Erfahrenerexperienced personnoun
  • Profiprofessionalnoun

Related words

  • Neulingsfehlerbeginner's mistakenoun
  • Neulingsphasebeginner phasenoun

Word lists with this word