fellow citizen
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fellow citizen
A person who lives in the same state, city, or municipality and has the same civic rights and duties.
Der Bürgermeister rief seine Mitbürger dazu auf, sich an der Säuberungsaktion zu beteiligen.
The mayor called on his fellow citizens to take part in the cleanup campaign.
The word is made up of the prefix 'Mit-' and the noun 'Bürger' (citizen). The prefix 'Mit-' always expresses a community or a shared quality, as also in 'Mitarbeiter' (colleague / coworker) or 'Mitbewohner' (roommate / housemate).
Meine Mitschüler und ich organisieren ein Fest zum Schuljahresende.
My classmates and I are organizing a celebration for the end of the school year.
'Mitbürger' (fellow citizen) is a rather formal word. You often find it in political speeches, official letters, or in the news. It sounds more formal and respectful than simply 'die Leute' (the people).
Die Polizei bittet die Mitbürger um Hinweise zur Aufklärung des Falls.
The police are asking fellow citizens for information to help solve the case.
The word is used especially often in the direct form of address 'Liebe Mitbürgerinnen und Mitbürger' (dear fellow citizens). This formula is a classic opening for public addresses by politicians.
„Liebe Mitbürgerinnen und Mitbürger, heute wenden wir uns mit einer wichtigen Nachricht an Sie“, begann die Kanzlerin ihre Rede.
'Dear fellow citizens, today we are addressing you with an important message,' the chancellor began her speech.
citizen
Bürger generally refers to a resident or citizen with their rights and duties. Mitbürger is appropriate when the speaker sees themselves as part of the same state or local community. For a neutral statement about a person, Bürger is usually the more suitable choice.
Liebe Mitbürger, bitte helfen Sie dabei, unsere Stadt sauber zu halten.
Dear fellow citizens, please help keep our city clean.
Jeder Bürger des Landes darf bei dieser Wahl seine Stimme abgeben.
Every citizen of the country may cast a vote in this election.
