noun

das Exil, -e

exile

Das Leben in einem anderen Land, weil man nicht in die Heimat zurückkehren kann oder darf.

Definition & meaning

The German word Exil refers to the state of being barred from one's native country, typically for political or punitive reasons. It describes the forced or voluntary absence of a person from their homeland, often associated with seeking refuge abroad.

There are two primary nuances:

Political exile: A person living abroad because they have been forced to leave their country by the authorities or because they fear persecution if they remain.
General displacement: A situation where someone is forced to reside in a place other than their home, often used metaphorically to describe a feeling of alienation or being "in internal exile" (a state of withdrawal from public life).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: The noun Exil is neuter (das Exil) and its plural form is Exile.
Origin: The word originates from the Latin exilium (banishment), which is derived from exsul (an exiled person). It entered the German language through the French exil.