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.
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
'der Schutz' and 'das Asyl' both have to do with safety from danger. 'Schutz' is a very general word: you can protect people, animals, data, or buildings. 'Asyl' is much more specific. It usually means the protection and admission granted by a state when people are persecuted in their home country. In elevated language, 'Asyl' can also mean a safe place of refuge. You could say: asylum is a special form of protection, but not every kind of protection is asylum.
Die Familie beantragt Asyl, weil sie in ihrem Heimatland verfolgt wird.
The family is applying for asylum because they are persecuted in their home country.
Beim Radfahren trägt Tom einen Helm zum Schutz vor Verletzungen.
When cycling, Tom wears a helmet for protection against injuries.