pioneer
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pioneer
A person who is among the first to explore, develop, or apply a new field; a trailblazer or forward thinker in science, technology, art, or society. The German spelling is 'Pionier' (pioneer).
Steve Jobs gilt als Pioneer der Personal-Computer-Industrie.
Steve Jobs is considered a pioneer of the personal computer industry.
pioneer / settler
A person who belongs to the first settlers to settle and cultivate undeveloped or foreign land. Often refers historically to the settlement of North America.
Die ersten Pioniere im Wilden Westen führten ein hartes und entbehrungsreiches Leben.
The first pioneers in the Wild West led a hard life full of hardship.
Although the spelling 'Pioneer' from English is understood, the official and far more common German form is 'Pionier' (pioneer). In German texts, you should always use 'Pionier'.
Marie Curie war eine Pionierin auf dem Gebiet der Radioaktivität.
Marie Curie was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity.
A very common and useful expression in this context is 'Pionierarbeit leisten' (to do pioneering work). It means to do fundamental and new work in a field that serves as a model for others.
Mit seiner Forschung hat der Wissenschaftler echte Pionierarbeit geleistet.
With his research, the scientist did real pioneering work.
When 'Pionier' (pioneer) means a forward thinker, the preposition 'auf dem Gebiet' (in the field of) or a genitive is often used to indicate in which area the person was a leader.
Er gilt als Pionier der modernen Architektur.
He is considered a pioneer of modern architecture.
The meaning 'Siedler' (settler) is used almost exclusively in historical contexts, often in connection with the settlement of North America in the 19th century.
Die Pioniere zogen mit Planwagen und großen Hoffnungen nach Westen.
The pioneers moved west with covered wagons and great hopes.
settler
A Siedler and a Pioneer can refer to a person who settles in a new, undeveloped area. “Pioneer” places greater emphasis on the person being among the first settlers in a historical wave of settlement. Use “Siedler” in general and “Pioneer” when this early role is important.
Der Pioneer gehörte zu den ersten Menschen, die das unerschlossene Land besiedelten und kultivierten.
The pioneer was among the first people to settle and cultivate the undeveloped land.
Der Siedler ließ sich in dem neuen Land nieder und baute dort einen Hof auf.
The settler established a home in the new land and built a farm there.
