der  Asylbewerber

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔazyːl bəˌvɛʁbɐ/

📜 What exactly is an Asylbewerber?

An Asylbewerber is a person who has applied for Asyl (asylum), meaning protection from persecution (political, religious, etc.) in their home country, in a foreign country. The term describes the legal status during the ongoing asylum procedure (Asylverfahren).

It's important to note that while it's a neutral, official term, it can also be emotionally charged in political debates.

There is also a female form: die Asylbewerberin.

⚠️ The term specifically refers to the applicant during the process. After recognition, one might speak of an anerkannter Flüchtling (recognized refugee), for example.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Asylbewerber

The word 'Asylbewerber' is a masculine noun and follows the weak N-declension (schwache N-Deklination), except for the genitive singular.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Asylbewerber wartet auf die Entscheidung des Amtes. (The asylum seeker is waiting for the office's decision.)
2. Die Papiere des Asylbewerbers wurden geprüft. (The asylum seeker's papers were checked.)
3. Man half dem Asylbewerber beim Ausfüllen der Formulare. (They helped the asylum seeker fill out the forms.)
4. Die Behörde befragte den Asylbewerber ausführlich. (The authority interviewed the asylum seeker in detail.)
5. Viele Asylbewerber leben in Gemeinschaftsunterkünften. (Many asylum seekers live in shared accommodation.)
6. Die Rechte der Asylbewerber sind gesetzlich geregelt. (The rights of asylum seekers are regulated by law.)
7. Freiwillige unterstützen die Asylbewerbern bei der Integration. (Volunteers support the asylum seekers with integration.)

🗣️ How 'Asylbewerber' is Used

The term Asylbewerber is primarily used in legal and administrative contexts to refer to individuals whose asylum application (Asylantrag) has not yet been decided. It is frequently found in news reports, official documents, and political discussions.

• Context: Authorities, media reports, legal proceedings, political debates.
• Nuance: Although it is an official term, it is sometimes viewed critically in debates or perceived as distant. Alternatives like 'Asylsuchender' (asylum seeker) or 'Schutzsuchender' (protection seeker) are often considered more neutral or empathetic, but lack the same precise legal meaning. 'Flüchtling' (refugee) is a broader term, often encompassing individuals whose protection status has already been recognized (e.g., under the Geneva Refugee Convention).
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish from 'Geflüchteter' (a general term for someone who has fled, regardless of legal status), 'Migrant' (a person changing residence, often for economic reasons), and 'anerkannter Flüchtling' (a person whose asylum application has been approved).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of the 'er' ending, common for masculine nouns representing people, like 'Lehrer' (teacher) or 'Bäcker' (baker). An Asylbewerber is applying ('bewirbt sich') for something, often a male 'Bewerber'. So, it's der Asylbewerber.

For the meaning: Break it down: 'Asyl' sounds like 'asylum' (a safe place). A 'Bewerber' is an applicant (like applying for a job - 'Bewerbung'). So, an 'Asylbewerber' is an 'asylum applicant'.

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms

Related/Similar Terms (Potential for Confusion):

• Flüchtling: Refugee - broader term, often includes recognized protected persons.
• Geflüchteter: Displaced person/person who has fled - general term.
• Migrant: Person migrating, often for reasons other than fleeing persecution.
• Geduldeter: Person whose asylum application was rejected but who is temporarily allowed to stay ('tolerated stay') for specific reasons (e.g., obstacles to deportation).

😂 A Little Joke

In German: Fragt ein Asylbewerber den anderen: "Hast du schon den Deutschtest bestanden?" Antwortet der andere: "Nein, aber ich kann jetzt schon fließend 'Antragsformular' und 'Aufenthaltsgenehmigung' sagen!"

In English: One asylum seeker asks another: "Have you passed the German test yet?" The other replies: "No, but I can already fluently say 'application form' (Antragsformular) and 'residence permit' (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung)!"

(This joke playfully touches on bureaucratic reality without being disrespectful.)

✍️ A Short Poem

In German:
Ein fremdes Land, ein neues Tor,
klopft an mit Hoffnung er davor.
Ein Sucher nach dem stillen Ort,
trägt seine Gründe fort und fort.
Bewirbt sich hier um Schutz und Ruh',
der Asylbewerber – das bist du,
der Mensch, der hofft auf neue Zeit,
fern von Gefahr und altem Leid.

In English:
A foreign land, a different door,
He knocks with hope, stood there before.
A seeker of a place serene,
Carries his reasons, sharp and keen.
Applies right here for peace and rest,
The Asylbewerber – put to test,
The person hoping for new days,
Far from old dangers, troubled ways.

❓ A Little Riddle

In German:
Ich komme aus der Ferne her,
mein altes Leben war oft schwer.
Ich bitte hier um Schutz und Bleibe,
damit ich vor Verfolgung sicher sei.
Mein Antrag läuft, ich warte bang,
wie nennt man mich den ganzen Gang?

In English:
I come from far away,
My former life was often grey.
I ask for refuge and a stay,
So I am safe from harm's dismay.
My application is pending, I wait along,
What am I called throughout this throng?

... Der Asylbewerber (The asylum seeker)

🌐 Further Information on Asylbewerber

Word Composition

The word 'Asylbewerber' is a compound noun, composed of:

• Asyl: From Greek ἄσυλον (ásylon) = 'inviolable place', place of refuge.
• Bewerber: Applicant, someone who applies for something (here: for asylum).

Context and Discussion

The term is central to German asylum law (Asylrecht) and describes a specific residence status. Public discussion about Asylbewerber is often politically and socially charged. It's important to use the term correctly and be aware of its potential connotations.