tørke

Türke is a German noun used to refer to a male person of Turkish nationality or ethnicity. The corresponding feminine form is Türkin, and the plural is Türken. In German, Türke is commonly used to indicate someone with origins in Turkey or Turkish heritage, regardless of current citizenship, though in everyday speech it can carry different connotations depending on context.

Etymology and usage: Türke derives from the Turkish term for a Turk, integrated into German with standard noun inflection. The form der Türke, die Türkin, die Türken follows typical German gender and plural patterns. While it is a neutral ethnonym in many contexts, it has also appeared in pejorative or stereotype-laden usage, depending on tone and intention. In contemporary discourse, many listeners prefer more descriptive wording such as “Person türkischer Herkunft” or “Person mit türkischer Herkunft” to emphasize identity without essentializing.

Migration and demographics: Since the mid-20th century, Germany has hosted a large Turkish-origin population as part of the Gastarbeiter or guest worker program and subsequent generations. Turkish-German communities are among the most substantial immigrant groups in Germany, contributing to society in fields ranging from business and culture to politics and education. The use of Türke to describe individuals within this community varies by generation, region, and personal preference, reflecting a broader shift toward more nuanced self-identification.

See also: Turkish diaspora, Turkish-German relations, Turkish language, ethnicity and nationality terms in German.