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.
layperson
A member of a religious community who does not hold a clerical office and does not belong to the clergy.
In unserer Kirchengemeinde können auch Laien die Predigt halten.
In our parish, laypeople can also give the sermon.
'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.
amateur
Amateur and Laie can both describe a person without professional expertise in a field. Laie is usually neutral and emphasizes a lack of specialist knowledge; Amateur can refer to a hobby activity or express a negative judgment about someone’s ability. Choose Laie for a neutral description and Amateur for a hobby or negative evaluation.
Als Laie kann ich die komplizierte Kameraeinstellung nicht beurteilen.
As a layperson, I cannot assess the complicated camera setting.
Der Amateur fotografiert nur in seiner Freizeit und bekommt dafür kein Geld.
The amateur only takes photographs in his free time and is not paid for it.
