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Bundesbürger
German citizen
A citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany.
example
Als Bundesbürger hat man sowohl Rechte als auch Pflichten.
As a German citizen, you have both rights and duties.
der Bundesbürger
German citizen
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Bund' (short for the Federal Republic), the linking '-es', and 'Bürger' (citizen). So it literally means 'citizen of the Federal Republic'.
EXAMPLE
Jeder Bundesbürger hat das Recht, frei seine Meinung zu äußern.
Every German citizen has the right to express their opinion freely.
Historical context
The term was used especially during the division of Germany to distinguish the citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) from the citizens of the GDR.
EXAMPLE
Nach 1949 gab es in Deutschland Bundesbürger und DDR-Bürger.
After 1949, there were citizens of the Federal Republic and GDR citizens in Germany.
Register and style
'Bundesbürger' (German citizen/citizen of the Federal Republic) is a rather formal and official term. In everyday life, most people simply use 'Deutsche' (Germans) or 'die Deutschen' (the Germans).
EXAMPLE
Laut Statistik ist die Zufriedenheit der Bundesbürger gestiegen.
According to statistics, the satisfaction of German citizens has increased.
Compare with
Bundesbürger vs Bürger
citizen
'Bürger' and 'Bundesbürger' can both refer to a person with rights and duties in a state. 'Bürger' is the general term and can refer to different states or also to a city. 'Bundesbürger' is much more specific and means a citizen of the Federal Republic of Germany. The words can be confused because both sound political or legal. If the country is not important, 'Bürger' is enough. If Germany is meant explicitly, 'Bundesbürger' is more precise.
Bundesbürger
Als Bundesbürger kann Fiona morgen an der Wahl in Deutschland teilnehmen.
As a German citizen, Fiona can take part in the election in Germany tomorrow.
Bürger
Jeder Bürger kann sich bei der Stadt über neue Regeln informieren.
Every citizen can get information from the city about new rules.
In real life
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