Bürger
/ˈbʏʁɡɐ/
The German word for 'citizen' is Bürger.
A person who is legally recognized as a member of a state or city.
Which one should you use?
While Bürger can mean a citizen of a city or a general member of society, Staatsbürger is the specific term used for a citizen of a nation-state.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the word is Bürgerin. The plural form of the word is the same as the singular masculine form: Bürger.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʏʁɡɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Bürger is the root of the English word 'burgher' and is closely related to 'burglar' through the word Burg, meaning 'fortified town' or 'castle'.
- In German, Bürgerlichkeit can describe the qualities of a citizen but is often used to mean 'bourgeoisie' or a narrow-minded, middle-class sensibility.
- While Bürger means 'citizen', the word Bürgermeister uses the same root to name a 'mayor', literally meaning the 'master of the citizens'.
Examples in context
- Die Bürger sind daran interessiert, ihre Rechte zu wahren.The citizens are interested in preserving their rights.
- Wir sollten uns alle als Mitbürger unterstützen.We should all support each other as fellow citizens.
- Jeder Bürger muss die Gesetze beachten.Every citizen must obey the laws.
- Er ist ein stolzer Bürger dieser Stadt.He is a proud citizen of this city.
- Die Bürger wählen den neuen Bürgermeister.The citizens are electing the new mayor.
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are discussing citizenship requirements.
- SarahWann wirst du ein offizieller Bürger?When will you become an official citizen?
- LukasIch glaube, in zwei Monaten, Sarah.I think in two months, Sarah.
- SarahDas ist toll für dich, Lukas!That is great for you, Lukas!
- LukasJa, ich freue mich sehr darauf.Yes, I am looking forward to it very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Bürger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bürger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
