01
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
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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
'der Bürger' and 'der Bewohner' can both mean a person who lives in a place. However, 'Bürger' emphasizes belonging to a state, city, or municipality, and often also rights and duties. 'Bewohner' only says that someone lives in a house, city, or region. That is why you can also use 'Bewohner' for a specific building. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with places. When it is about living somewhere, 'Bewohner' usually fits. When it is about the state, a city, politics, or rights, 'Bürger' is more likely to fit.
Bürger
Die Bürger der Stadt dürfen am Sonntag über den neuen Park abstimmen.
The citizens of the city are allowed to vote on the new park on Sunday.
Bewohner
Nach dem Brand mussten alle Bewohner des Hauses ihre Wohnungen verlassen.
After the fire, all residents of the building had to leave their apartments.
In real life
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