noun
pensioner, retiree
B1
Pensionist means 'pensioner' or 'retiree'. Masculine noun (der Pensionist) with plural Pensionisten. A weak (n‑) noun: oblique cases typically add -en (des/dem/den Pensionisten). Synonym: Rentner. Used for people who receive a pension in German, and used also in some regional contexts.
Examples
Mein Großvater ist Pensionist und liest jeden Morgen die Zeitung.
My grandfather is a pensioner and reads the newspaper every morning.
Der Pensionist genießt seinen Ruhestand.
The pensioner enjoys his retirement.
Als Pensionist hat er mehr Zeit für seinen Garten.
As a retiree he has more time for his garden.
Details
Mnemonics
picture an older man receiving a pension letter
pensionist sounds like 'pension + ist' (someone who 'is' receiving a pension)
der — imagine a male (Mr.) receiving his pension
Notes
Refers to a male person receiving a pension. Not to be confused with 'Pension' (a boarding house) in German.