Indian / Native American
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Indian (outdated)
A collective term, now often considered outdated or problematic, for members of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. The term goes back to a historical mistake by Christopher Columbus, who believed he had landed in India.
In vielen alten Abenteuerromanen wird eine klischeehafte Vorstellung vom Leben der Indianer vermittelt.
In many old adventure novels, a stereotypical idea of the life of Native Americans is presented.
This word is often perceived today as outdated and problematic because it generalizes many different Indigenous peoples. In modern and respectful contexts, it is usually avoided.
Die Ausstellung vermeidet bewusst den Begriff „Indianer“ und spricht stattdessen von indigenen Völkern Nordamerikas.
The exhibition deliberately avoids the term 'Indianer' (Indian) and instead speaks of Indigenous peoples of North America.
The term arose from a mistake by Christopher Columbus, who thought he had landed in India. For this reason, he called the native inhabitants 'Indianer' (Indians). So the word is based on a geographical error.
Schulbücher erklären heute den historischen Irrtum hinter dem Wort „Indianer“.
Today, schoolbooks explain the historical mistake behind the word 'Indianer' (Indian).
The word is found mainly in older books, films, or in connection with children's games. These contexts often convey a stereotypical and inauthentic image.
Als Kinder haben wir oft „Cowboy und Indianer“ gespielt.
As children, we often played 'Cowboys and Indians'.
Indian
Both words can be confused with the English word “Indian” when describing a person. Der Indianer refers to a person from an Indigenous people of the Americas and is now often considered outdated or problematic, while der Inder refers to a male person from India. The person's origin or affiliation is therefore what matters.
Im alten Bericht wird ein Angehöriger eines indigenen Volkes Amerikas als Indianer bezeichnet.
In the old report, a member of an Indigenous people of the Americas is called an Indian.
Der neue Nachbar ist ein Inder und stammt aus Mumbai.
The new neighbor is an Indian man from Mumbai.
