German word

Pionier

Pronunciation

IPA/pi̯oˈniːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpioneer

Example

Viele Pioniere haben an diesem Projekt gearbeitet.

Many pioneers worked on this project.

Illustration for Pionier (pioneer)

More examples

Der Pionier des digitalen Wandels setzte Standards für die Branche.

The pioneer of digital change set standards for the industry.

Core concept

A person at the edge of unknown ground, opening a route that later travelers can use.

Common phrases

  • Pionier des digitalen Wandels

    pioneer of digital change

  • ein internationaler Pionier

    an international pioneer

  • als Pionier vorangehen

    lead the way as a pioneer

Similar words

Vorreiter: A person who adopts new ideas or movements early and leads the way.
Bahnbrecher: A person who opens a clear path through an unexplored area.
Innovator: A person who introduces fresh ideas into established methods and brings about change.
Wegbereiter: A person who creates the basis for a new method or system to spread.

Definition in German

Person, die als Erste etwas Neues einführt oder ausprobiert und damit anderen den Weg bereitet.

Word origin

German Pionier was borrowed from French pionnier, a term for a worker who cleared paths and prepared positions, and it later developed its wider figurative sense.

Usage tips

  • Pionier is a masculine noun: der Pionier, with the plural die Pioniere.

Other meanings

  • settlernoun

Opposites

  • Nachahmerimitatornoun
  • Spätzünderlate starternoun

Related words

  • Pionierstatuspioneer statusnoun
  • Pionierarbeitpioneering worknoun

Word lists with this word