forced laborer
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forced laborer
A person who is forced to work against their will, often under threat of violence or other punishments.
Während des Nationalsozialismus wurden Millionen von Menschen als Zwangsarbeiter in der deutschen Industrie eingesetzt.
During National Socialism, millions of people were used as forced laborers in German industry.
The word is made up of 'Zwang' (coercion/force) and 'Arbeiter' (worker). 'Zwang' means pressure or force. A Zwangsarbeiter is therefore literally a worker who is forced to work.
Die Geschichte der Zwangsarbeiter ist ein dunkles Kapitel.
The history of forced laborers is a dark chapter.
The word belongs to the word family around the verb 'zwingen' (to force). Related terms are 'der Zwang' (coercion) and 'die Zwangsarbeit' (forced labor, the activity itself).
Er wurde zur Zwangsarbeit in einer Fabrik gezwungen.
He was forced into forced labor in a factory.
The term is very strongly associated with the period of National Socialism in Germany. It is mainly used in historical and political discussions about this era.
Viele Unternehmen haben ihre Rolle beim Einsatz von Zwangsarbeitern aufgearbeitet.
Many companies have examined their role in the use of forced laborers.
slave
'der Sklave' and 'der Zwangsarbeiter' both have to do with a lack of freedom and forced work. The difference is important: a slave is considered the property of another person and has no personal rights. A forced laborer is forced to work against their will, but is not necessarily legally the property of a person. The words can be confused because both describe very severe forms of unfreedom. 'Sklave' is especially appropriate for slavery as a system. 'Zwangsarbeiter' fits when the forced work is the focus.
Der Zwangsarbeiter musste in der Fabrik arbeiten, obwohl er das nicht wollte.
The forced laborer had to work in the factory even though he did not want to.
Der Sklave durfte nicht selbst entscheiden, wo er leben wollte.
The slave was not allowed to decide for himself where he wanted to live.