asylum seeker
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asylum seeker
A person who has applied for asylum in a foreign country and is waiting for the decision on this application.
Der Asylbewerber hofft, in Deutschland bleiben zu dürfen.
The asylum seeker hopes to be allowed to stay in Germany.
The word is made up of 'Asyl' (asylum) and 'Bewerber' (applicant). A 'Bewerber' is someone who applies for something. So an Asylbewerber is literally a person who applies for asylum.
Als Asylbewerber muss man viele Formulare ausfüllen.
As an asylum seeker, you have to fill out many forms.
The noun 'Asylbewerber' (asylum seeker) is closely connected with the verb 'Asyl beantragen' (to apply for asylum). The person who applies for asylum is referred to as an asylum seeker.
Er hat in Deutschland Asyl beantragt und ist nun offiziell Asylbewerber.
He applied for asylum in Germany and is now officially an asylum seeker.
'Asylbewerber' (asylum seeker) is a neutral and official term used especially in government offices, news, and formal contexts.
Die Zahl der Asylbewerber ist in diesem Quartal gestiegen.
The number of asylum seekers has increased this quarter.
refugee
'Flüchtling' and 'Asylbewerber' can refer to the same person, but they look at the situation from different perspectives. 'Flüchtling' mainly describes why someone fled: the person needs protection from danger. 'Asylbewerber' describes the legal step: the person has applied for asylum in another country and is waiting for the decision. Learners easily confuse the words because many refugees apply for asylum. Still, not every sentence is the same: when it is about fleeing and protection, 'Flüchtling' fits. When it is about the application, authorities, or the procedure, 'Asylbewerber' is better.
Der Asylbewerber wartet noch auf einen Brief vom Amt.
The asylum seeker is still waiting for a letter from the office.
Der Flüchtling erzählte, dass sein Dorf nach dem Angriff nicht mehr sicher war.
The refugee said that his village was no longer safe after the attack.