senior
der Senior, die Senioren
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senior citizen
An older person, usually of retirement age. Often used as a polite term for retirees.
Das Museum bietet einen ermäßigten Eintrittspreis für Senioren an.
The museum offers a reduced admission price for senior citizens.
senior
A person in a higher or more senior position within a professional hierarchy.
Als Senior-Berater leitet er das Projektteam.
As a senior consultant, he leads the project team.
senior
In sports, an athlete who belongs to the highest age or performance class of adults.
Bei den Leichtathletik-Meisterschaften startet er in der Klasse der Senioren.
At the athletics championships, he competes in the senior class.
senior
The older of two men with the same name, especially the father in relation to the son.
Die Firma wurde von Walter Schmidt Senior gegründet und später von seinem Sohn übernommen.
The company was founded by Walter Schmidt Senior and later taken over by his son.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Senioren |
| genitive | des Seniors |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Senior | die Senioren |
| accusative | den Senior | die Senioren |
| dative | dem Senior | den Senioren |
| genitive | des Seniors | der Senioren |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word comes directly from Latin, where 'senior' means 'the older one'. This basic meaning of 'older' or 'higher-ranking' connects all uses of the word.
Innerhalb der Familie ist er der Senior, also der Älteste.
Within the family, he is the senior, meaning the oldest.
Unlike in American English, 'Senior' in German is not used for a pupil or student in their final year of study. There is no direct equivalent for this.
Er ist Student im letzten Semester, aber man nennt ihn nicht „Senior“.
He is a student in his final semester, but he is not called a 'Senior'.
The context reveals the meaning: A discount points to an older person. A business card with 'Senior Manager' refers to rank. A sports event refers to the age class, and a name with an added title refers to the father.
Als Senior-Architekt hat er mehr Verantwortung.
As a senior architect, he has more responsibility.
As a term for older people, the word is often found in combinations such as 'Rabatt für Senioren' (discount for senior citizens), 'Seniorenheim' (retirement home), or 'Seniorenteller' (a smaller portion in a restaurant).
Viele ältere Menschen leben in einer Seniorenresidenz.
Many older people live in a senior residence.
In professional contexts, 'Senior' is placed as a title before the actual job title, e.g. 'Senior-Entwickler' (senior developer). It signals a high level of experience and responsibility.
Sie wurde zur Senior-Projektleiterin befördert.
She was promoted to senior project manager.
To distinguish a father from a son with the same name, 'Senior' (often abbreviated as 'sen.' or 'sr.') is added to the name. The son then receives the addition 'Junior'.
Das Geschäft gehört jetzt Paul Meier Junior, sein Vater war Paul Meier Senior.
The business now belongs to Paul Meier Junior; his father was Paul Meier Senior.
classic car / old-timer
Senior and Oldtimer can refer to an older, experienced person in a professional setting. Senior sounds more neutral and often emphasizes a higher professional position, while Oldtimer sounds humorous and places more emphasis on age. Choose Senior for a factual, neutral designation and Oldtimer for a humorous one.
Als Senior im Unternehmen leitet Herr Weber das wichtige Projekt.
As a senior employee at the company, Mr. Weber is leading the important project.
Unser humorvoller Oldtimer kennt noch alle alten Abläufe im Büro.
Our good-natured old-timer still knows all the old procedures in the office.
