Zoni

derNoun

derogatory term for former GDR citizens (informal)

Word details

German meaning
Zoni ist eine umgangssprachliche, oft abwertende Bezeichnung für jemanden, der in der DDR, insbesondere in Ost-Berlin, lebte.
English meaning
Colloquial term for someone from East Germany, especially East Berlin
Synonym
Grenzgänger, Bewohner des Grenzgebiets
German example
Früher wurden die Bewohner Ost-Berlins oft als Zonis bezeichnet.
English example
In the past, residents of East Berlin were often referred to as Zonis.
Type
Noun
Article
der
Singular Form
der Zoni
Plural Form
die Zonis

Example sentences with “Zoni”

  1. Das Wort 'Zoni' wird heute als abwertend empfunden. (The word 'Zoni' is perceived as derogatory today.)

Frequently asked questions

Should I use this word?

It is best to avoid it, as it is an insensitive label for people from the former East Germany.