asylum
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asylum
The protection and admission that a state grants to people who are persecuted in their home country for political, religious, or other reasons.
Nach seiner Flucht aus dem Heimatland hat er in Deutschland Asyl beantragt.
After fleeing his home country, he applied for asylum in Germany.
refuge
A place of refuge, safety, and security; a shelter from danger or persecution. This meaning is often elevated or literary.
Die alte Bibliothek war für ihn ein Asyl der Ruhe und des Wissens.
The old library was a refuge of peace and knowledge for him.
You can recognize the political meaning from words like 'beantragen' (to apply for), 'Staat' (state), 'Flüchtling' (refugee), or 'Gesetz' (law). You can recognize the more general, literary meaning from a personal or metaphorical context that describes peace and protection.
Viele Menschen suchen in Europa politisches Asyl.
Many people seek political asylum in Europe.
In the political context, 'Asyl' (asylum) is very often combined with certain verbs. The most important are: 'Asyl beantragen' (to apply for asylum), 'Asyl suchen' (to seek asylum), 'Asyl gewähren' (to grant asylum), or 'jemandem Asyl bieten' (to offer someone asylum).
Der Journalist musste in einem anderen Land Asyl suchen.
The journalist had to seek asylum in another country.
Around the topic of asylum, there are important related words you should know: 'der Asylbewerber' (person applying for asylum/asylum seeker), 'das Asylrecht' (asylum law), and 'der Asylantrag' (the formal application).
Der Asylantrag des Mannes wurde genehmigt.
The man's asylum application was approved.
The meaning 'Zufluchtsort' (place of refuge) is elevated and is more likely to be used in literature or poetic language. In normal everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'Rückzugsort' (retreat).
Die Natur war für sie ein Asyl vor dem Lärm der Stadt.
Nature was a refuge for her from the noise of the city.
protection
Schutz generally means keeping people safe from danger or harm. Asyl is more specific: a state takes in people who are being persecuted and grants them protection. Schutz is the appropriate term for general safety; Asyl is used when a state admits people because they are being persecuted.
Der Staat gewährt den politisch Verfolgten Asyl und nimmt sie auf.
The state grants asylum to those persecuted for political reasons and takes them in.
Der Staat bietet den Betroffenen vorübergehend Schutz vor der aktuellen Gefahr.
The state is temporarily providing the people affected with protection from the current danger.
