layperson
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layperson
A person who has no or only limited knowledge in a particular specialist field; a non-expert.
Der Arzt erklärte die Diagnose in einfachen Worten, damit auch ein Laie sie verstehen konnte.
The doctor explained the diagnosis in simple words so that even a layperson could understand it.
'Der Laie' (the layperson) belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular: 'dem Laien' (to the layperson), 'den Laien' (the layperson), 'des Laien' (of the layperson). This is a common mistake.
Der Experte erklärte dem Laien den komplexen Sachverhalt.
The expert explained the complex issue to the layperson.
The adjective 'laienhaft' (amateurish) is derived from 'Laie' (layperson). It describes an action or result that is amateurish or not professional.
Seine Reparatur war leider nur laienhaft und hielt nicht lange.
Unfortunately, his repair was only amateurish and did not last long.
In the meaning 'non-expert', 'Laie' (layperson) is often used with the preposition 'für' (for) or the conjunction 'als' (as). Typical phrases include 'verständlich für Laien' (understandable for laypeople) or 'als Laie kann ich nur sagen ...' (as a layperson, I can only say ...).
Dieses Buch ist auch für medizinische Laien gut zu verstehen.
This book is also easy to understand for medical laypeople.
The meaning 'non-clergyman' is used exclusively in a religious context. Signal words for this include 'Kirche' (church), 'Gemeinde' (parish/congregation), 'Priester' (priest), or 'Klerus' (clergy).
In der katholischen Kirche gibt es eine klare Trennung zwischen Klerus und Laien.
In the Catholic Church, there is a clear separation between clergy and laypeople.
master / champion
'der Meister' and 'der Laie' are opposites when it comes to specialist knowledge or skill. A 'Meister' has mastered something very well or is especially experienced in a field. A 'Laie' has no or only limited specialist knowledge in that field. The words can be confused because both are often used to describe a person's level in a particular area. But the direction is opposite: the master knows the subject very well; the layperson does not.
Als Laie verstehe ich den technischen Bericht nur teilweise.
As a layperson, I understand the technical report only partially.
Bei schwierigen Reparaturen vertraut die Nachbarschaft dem alten Meister.
For difficult repairs, the neighborhood trusts the old master craftsman.