nounnoun
der Einsiedler, –
hermit
Eine Person, die allein und fern von anderen Menschen lebt.
Definition & meaning
A person who lives in seclusion or apart from society, often for religious, spiritual, or personal reasons.
- Religious/Spiritual context: An individual who withdraws from the world to live a solitary life devoted to prayer, meditation, or ascetic practices.
- General context: Someone who prefers to live alone, avoids social contact, or resides in an isolated location (e.g., in a remote cabin or a mountain retreat).
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: Masculine noun (der Einsiedler). The plural is the same (die Einsiedler).
- Word origin: The word is a compound derived from Middle High German ein-sidel, which consists of ein (one/alone) and sidel (a derivative of Sitz or siedeln, meaning "to dwell" or "to settle"). It literally translates to "one who settles alone."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Der Eremit (a more formal or religious term for a hermit)
- Der Klausner (often used in a monastic or traditional context)
- Der Sonderling (implies someone eccentric or "odd" who keeps to themselves)
- Der Einzelgänger (a loner who prefers solitude)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er lebt wie ein Einsiedler in den Bergen.noun
He lives like a hermit in the mountains.
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