der Ausländer

By definition, a so called Ausländer is a person that DOES NOT live in a particular place. The use of this word is similar to that of foreigner in English. I take exception to the use of either of these words to describe people "who live here that were not born here," or worse, "who don't look like us." It's use in both these cases is careless and particularly offensive!

There are certainly better words that could be used with various degrees of precision. As someone who has come to Germany to live but has not yet be naturalized, I consider Einwanderer most appropriate. For those who may be here temporarily for professional reasons, the internationally accepted Expatriate, or simply Expat is preferred. Individuals and their families who have decided to settle here could best be described as Migranten.

Fortunately thing seem to be changing slowly from the top down. Among the general populace and the politically divisive, Ausländer seems to be the most expedient.

Ich bin aber KEIN Ausländer.

[image: Samson, Schloßpark Pankow, Berlin, June 2003.

Courtesy of the blogger.]