patriot
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patriot
A person who loves their homeland, is proud of it, and works to support it.
Er bezeichnete sich selbst als Patriot, weil ihm die Geschichte und Kultur seines Landes sehr wichtig waren.
He described himself as a patriot because the history and culture of his country were very important to him.
This word belongs to a word family. The related noun is 'der Patriotismus' (patriotism), and the adjective is 'patriotisch' (patriotic).
Sein patriotisches Engagement wurde von vielen bewundert.
His patriotic commitment was admired by many.
'Der Patriot' (the patriot) belongs to the N-declension. This means that the word takes the ending '-en' in all cases except the nominative singular. This is a common source of errors.
Die Journalistin interviewte einen bekannten Patrioten.
The journalist interviewed a well-known patriot.
The evaluation of the word 'Patriot' (patriot) can vary greatly depending on the context. It can neutrally describe a person who loves their country, but it can also have a critical or negative connotation in connection with nationalism.
In der politischen Debatte fiel oft das Wort „Patriot“.
The word 'Patriot' (patriot) often came up in the political debate.
nationalist
'der Nationalist' and 'der Patriot' both have to do with a strong connection to one's own country. The difference is the evaluation and the attitude toward other countries. A patriot loves their country and works to support it; this can be meant positively or neutrally. A nationalist places their own nation above others and may devalue other nations. For that reason, 'Nationalist' often sounds much more critical. The words can be confused because both can express pride in one's own country. The important distinction is: love for one's own country is more likely 'Patriot', while elevating one's own nation above others is more likely 'Nationalist'.
Heute zeigt sich der alte Fahrer als Patriot und spricht stolz über sein Land.
Today the old driver shows himself to be a patriot and speaks proudly about his country.
Der Politiker wird als Nationalist kritisiert, weil er andere Länder ständig abwertet.
The politician is criticized as a nationalist because he constantly puts down other countries.