asylum seeker
Loading your saved state.
asylum seeker
A person who has left their home country and is asking for asylum, meaning protection from persecution, in another country. This person’s asylum application has not yet been finally decided in legal terms.
Der Asylsuchende wartet seit Monaten auf die Entscheidung über seinen Antrag.
The asylum seeker has been waiting for months for the decision on his application.
The word is a nominalized participle. It consists of 'Asyl' (asylum) and 'suchend' (seeking, from 'suchen' (to seek/search)). So it literally describes a person who is seeking asylum.
Viele Menschen kommen als Asylsuchende nach Europa.
Many people come to Europe as asylum seekers.
This noun is declined like an adjective (the so-called N-declension). This means that in most cases it gets an '-en' ending when an article comes before it.
Die Geschichte des Asylsuchenden war sehr bewegend.
The story of the asylum seeker was very moving.
'Asylsuchender' (asylum seeker) is an official term from the legal and administrative sphere. It is often used in news reports, laws, and official documents.
Jeder Asylsuchende hat das Recht auf ein faires Verfahren.
Every asylum seeker has the right to a fair procedure.
refugee
'der Flüchtling' and 'der Asylsuchender' are closely related because both words have to do with fleeing and seeking protection in another country. 'Flüchtling' emphasizes that someone was forced to flee, for example because of war or persecution. 'Asylsuchender', on the other hand, emphasizes that the person is asking for asylum and that the application has not yet been finally decided. The words can be confused because a person is often both at the same time. When you are talking about the person’s living situation or reason for fleeing, 'Flüchtling' is natural. When you are talking about authorities, applications, or legal status, 'Asylsuchender' is more precise.
Ein Asylsuchender darf während des Verfahrens oft nur unter bestimmten Bedingungen arbeiten.
An asylum seeker is often allowed to work during the procedure only under certain conditions.
Der Flüchtling kam mit seiner Familie aus einem Kriegsgebiet.
The refugee came from a war zone with his family.