Neuseeländer (m)

/nɔɪ̯ˈzeʻlɛndɐ/

Neuseeländer is the German masculine noun for a person from New Zealand. English offers two common equivalents: the neutral New Zealander for all contexts, and the colloquial Kiwi, which is perfectly natural in everyday speech and carries no negative connotation.

1. New Zealander

The standard, register-neutral translation appropriate in all contexts, from journalism and official writing to everyday conversation.

Der Neuseeländer gewann die Goldmedaille im Freistilschwimmen.
The New Zealander won the gold medal in freestyle swimming.
Viele Neuseeländer sind nach dem Ende der Reisebeschränkungen in ihre Heimat zurückgekehrt.
Many New Zealanders returned home after travel restrictions were lifted.
Die Ausstellung wurde von einem Neuseeländer kuratiert, der seit Jahren in Berlin lebt.
The exhibition was curated by a New Zealander who has lived in Berlin for years.

2. Kiwi [colloquial]

Informal but widely accepted demonym for a New Zealander; extremely common in everyday English and not considered offensive.

Er ist durch und durch Neuseeländer. Rugby im Blut und nie ohne Sonnencreme.
He's a proper Kiwi. Rugby in his blood and never without sunscreen.
Die Neuseeländer in unserem Büro feiern immer lautstark, wenn die All Blacks gewinnen.
The Kiwis in our office always celebrate loudly when the All Blacks win.

Notes

German learners often avoid 'Kiwi' for a person because in German the word almost exclusively refers to the fruit. In English, however, 'Kiwi' as a demonym is as natural and commonplace as 'Aussie' for an Australian. Using it in informal speech sounds immediately more native.

Synonyms

Kiwi

Related phrases

Neuseeland Neuseeländerin Australier Engländer Brite