asylum seeker
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asylum seeker
A person who has applied for asylum (protection from persecution) in a foreign country and whose application is still under review. The term is used mainly in Austria, but is also understood in Germany.
Der Asylwerber 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 made up of 'Asyl' (asylum) and 'Werber'. 'Werber' comes from the verb 'werben für' (to advertise for/to recruit for), which here means 'sich bewerben um' (to apply for) or 'ersuchen' (to request). An 'Asylwerber' (asylum seeker) is therefore someone who seeks or applies for asylum.
Als Asylwerber muss man oft lange auf einen Bescheid warten.
As an asylum seeker, you often have to wait a long time for a decision.
This word is used mainly in Austria. In Germany, the term 'Asylbewerber' (asylum seeker) is much more common, even though 'Asylwerber' is understood.
In den österreichischen Nachrichten wurde über die Situation der Asylwerber berichtet.
The Austrian news reported on the situation of asylum seekers.
The term describes a person in a specific phase: they have already submitted an asylum application, but no decision has yet been made on that application. It is an official status during the procedure.
Solange er ein Asylwerber ist, hat er nur eine begrenzte Arbeitserlaubnis.
As long as he is an asylum seeker, he has only a limited work permit.
refugee
'der Flüchtling' and 'der Asylwerber' can both mean a person who has left their home country and needs protection. 'Flüchtling' mainly describes the flight itself and the reason for it, for example war, persecution, or a disaster. 'Asylwerber' is more precise when the person has applied for asylum in another country and is still waiting for the decision. Learners may confuse the words because many asylum seekers are also refugees. In practice: when it is about fleeing in general, 'Flüchtling' fits. When it is about the ongoing asylum procedure, 'Asylwerber' is more precise. The term is especially common in Austria.
Der Asylwerber wartet seit Monaten auf die Entscheidung der Behörde.
The asylum seeker has been waiting for months for the authority's decision.
Viele Flüchtlinge suchen nach der langen Reise zuerst einen sicheren Ort zum Schlafen.
After the long journey, many refugees first look for a safe place to sleep.