01
die Autorin
author
A woman who writes literary, academic, or journalistic texts professionally or as a hobby.
example
Die Autorin liest heute Abend aus ihrem neuen Roman vor.
The author is reading from her new novel this evening.
die Autorin
author
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
'Autorin' (female author) is the feminine form of 'der Autor' (the male author). The ending '-in' is the most common way in German to form the feminine form of professional titles and terms for people.
EXAMPLE
Meine Lieblingsautorin hat gerade ein neues Buch veröffentlicht.
My favorite author has just published a new book.
Context clue
You can recognize the second, figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about texts, but about abstract things like ideas, plans, or reforms. The adjective 'geistig' (intellectual) often comes before it.
EXAMPLE
Die Journalistin ist die Autorin dieses kritischen Artikels.
The journalist is the author of this critical article.
Typical collocations
In its main meaning, 'Autorin' (female author) is often combined with the type of texts she writes. Examples are: 'Kinderbuchautorin' (children's book author), 'Romanautorin' (novelist), or 'Bestsellerautorin' (bestselling author).
EXAMPLE
Die Bestsellerautorin gibt morgen eine Signierstunde in der Buchhandlung.
The bestselling author is holding a book signing at the bookstore tomorrow.
Compare with
Autorin vs Journalistin
journalist
'die Journalistin' and 'die Autorin' can both write texts. The difference lies in the field: a journalist writes for the media and reports on real events. An author is, more generally, a woman who writes texts, for example a book, an academic text, or also a journalistic text. That is why a journalist can also be the author of an article. The words can be confused because both are connected with writing. When work for a newspaper, radio, television, or online media is important, 'Journalistin' sounds more precise. When the only important point is who wrote a text, 'Autorin' fits.
Autorin
Auf der Buchmesse liest die Autorin aus ihrem neuen Sachbuch.
At the book fair, the author reads from her new nonfiction book.
Journalistin
Die Journalistin recherchiert für einen Bericht über das neue Krankenhaus.
The journalist is researching a report about the new hospital.
In real life
Loading video examples...