der Bürger
citizen
An inhabitant of a state with certain rights and duties; a national.
EXAMPLE
Als deutscher Bürger hat man das Recht, an Wahlen teilzunehmen.
As a German citizen, you have the right to take part in elections.
der Bürger
citizen
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Meanings
der Bürger
resident
An inhabitant of a particular city or municipality.
EXAMPLE
Die Bürger der Stadt beschwerten sich über den Lärm.
The residents of the city complained about the noise.
der Bürger
bourgeois
In a historical or sociological context, a member of the bourgeoisie, the middle class.
EXAMPLE
Im 19. Jahrhundert strebte der gebildete Bürger nach Wohlstand und gesellschaftlichem Ansehen.
In the 19th century, the educated bourgeois aspired to prosperity and social prestige.
Usage tips
Word history
The word 'Bürger' (citizen) is derived from 'die Burg' (castle/fortress). Historically, a 'Bürger' was an inhabitant of a fortified city or castle who enjoyed special rights and freedoms.
EXAMPLE
Im Mittelalter hatten die Bürger einer Stadt mehr Rechte als die Landbevölkerung.
In the Middle Ages, the citizens of a town had more rights than the rural population.
Common compounds
The word stem 'Bürger-' is part of many important nouns in public life, e.g. 'Bürgermeister' (mayor), 'Bürgersteig' (sidewalk), 'Bürgeramt' (citizens' office), or 'Staatsbürger' (citizen/national).
EXAMPLE
Für einen neuen Pass muss man zum Bürgeramt gehen.
For a new passport, you have to go to the citizens' office.
Context clue
The context makes it clear which meaning is intended. In connection with a country, e.g. 'deutscher Bürger' (German citizen), it means a national. In connection with a city, 'Bürger von Köln' (citizen/resident of Cologne), it means an inhabitant. In historical texts, it often refers to the social class.
EXAMPLE
Als EU-Bürger kann man in vielen europäischen Ländern arbeiten.
As an EU citizen, you can work in many European countries.
Related adjective
The adjective 'bürgerlich' (bourgeois/middle-class) is closely connected to the historical and sociological meaning. It describes a lifestyle, culture, or political attitude that is typical of the middle class.
EXAMPLE
Thomas Manns Roman „Buddenbrooks“ beschreibt den Verfall einer bürgerlichen Familie.
Thomas Mann's novel 'Buddenbrooks' describes the decline of a bourgeois family.
Compare with
Bürger vs Bewohner
resident
Both words can refer to a person in a city or municipality. Bewohner emphasizes that the person lives there, while Bürger can additionally highlight their belonging to that community. Use Bewohner for the place where someone lives and Bürger when belonging to the community is important.
Bürger
Als Bürger der Stadt durfte sie bei der Versammlung ihre Meinung sagen.
As a citizen of the city, she was allowed to express her opinion at the meeting.
Bewohner
Als Bewohner der Stadt suchte sie eine Wohnung in der Nähe ihres Arbeitsplatzes.
As a resident of the city, she looked for an apartment near her workplace.
In real life
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