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.
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
'der Siedler' and 'der Pioneer' can both refer to people who are among the first to come to a new area and build something there. 'Siedler' mainly emphasizes living and settling permanently in a new place. 'Pioneer' more strongly refers to a person who starts something new or opens up a path. That can be a new land, but also a new field in technology, science, or society. The words can be confused because a Pioneer can also be an early settler. But when it is simply about settling in an area, 'Siedler' is more precise. When someone is the first to develop something new or make it possible, 'Pioneer' fits better.
Als Pioneer der modernen Medizin führte er eine neue Behandlungsmethode ein.
As a pioneer of modern medicine, he introduced a new method of treatment.
Der Siedler blieb mit seiner Familie in der neuen Gegend und baute einen Hof.
The settler stayed in the new area with his family and built a farm.