dropout / defector
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dropout
A person who deliberately withdraws from established social norms, working life, or a particular system in order to live an alternative life.
Als Aussteiger kaufte er einen alten Bauernhof und versucht nun, sich selbst zu versorgen.
As a dropout, he bought an old farm and is now trying to be self-sufficient.
The word is made up of the verb 'aussteigen' (to get out / to drop out) and the ending '-er', which indicates a person. An 'Aussteiger' is therefore literally someone who 'gets out' of something or leaves it.
Er will aus seinem stressigen Job aussteigen und ein ruhigeres Leben führen.
He wants to get out of his stressful job and lead a quieter life.
Both the verb 'aussteigen' and the noun 'Aussteiger' are often used with the preposition 'aus' + dative to specify what the person is leaving.
Er ist ein bekannter Aussteiger aus der Finanzbranche.
He is a well-known dropout from the financial sector.
The context makes clear what kind of 'Aussteiger' is meant. If it is about an alternative lifestyle, meaning 1 is intended. If it is about criminal or extremist groups, meaning 2 is intended. In a sports context, meaning 3 is intended.
Als Aussteiger lebt er jetzt ohne Strom und fließendes Wasser in den Bergen.
As a dropout, he now lives in the mountains without electricity or running water.
The term 'Aussteiger' is often associated with the idea of rejecting the consumerism and pressure to perform of modern society. It describes people who seek a simpler, often nature-oriented and self-determined life.
In den 70er Jahren gab es eine große Bewegung von Aussteigern, die in Kommunen lebten.
In the 1970s, there was a large movement of dropouts who lived in communes.
outsider / underdog
'der Außenseiter' and 'der Aussteiger' can both describe people who no longer really belong to a normal group or system. The difference lies in the reason. An 'Außenseiter' is on the margins or is not fully accepted by others. An 'Aussteiger' deliberately leaves a system, a group, or a familiar way of life. Learners may confuse the words because both express distance from society. If someone does not belong, you are more likely to say 'Außenseiter'; if someone drops out or leaves something by choice, you say 'Aussteiger'.
Nach vielen Jahren im Büro wurde Lena zur Aussteigerin und zog aufs Land.
After many years in the office, Lena became a dropout and moved to the countryside.
Im Team blieb er ein Außenseiter, obwohl er jeden Tag freundlich war.
He remained an outsider on the team, even though he was friendly every day.