Flüchtling

Flüchtling is the German word for refugee. It refers to a person who has fled their country due to a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion. This definition is largely aligned with the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, international treaties that define who qualifies as a refugee and outline the rights and protections they are entitled to.

Individuals seeking refugee status typically cross international borders and apply for asylum in a foreign country. The process involves a formal application and assessment by the authorities of the host country to determine if the applicant meets the criteria for refugee protection. If recognized, a refugee is granted legal status and certain rights, though these can vary depending on the country.

The term Flüchtling is often used in public discourse and media within German-speaking countries when discussing individuals arriving from conflict zones, politically unstable regions, or areas experiencing persecution. The term distinguishes refugees from other migrants, who may be moving for economic or other non-persecutory reasons. International organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) work to protect refugees and provide assistance.