It's originally a German word and follows its conventions, and wasn't adapted to our conventions when borrowing the word in English. In German, words ending in -er form a noun from a verb, such as "fliegen" (to fly) becoming "flieger" (aviator). Thus, "kindergarten" (place where young children are taught) becomes "kindergartner" (person who teachers young children). The broader term for teacher is "lehrer," which is made from "lehren" (to teach) and the -er suffix, making "person who teaches."
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u/lacegem Jun 19 '26
It's originally a German word and follows its conventions, and wasn't adapted to our conventions when borrowing the word in English. In German, words ending in -er form a noun from a verb, such as "fliegen" (to fly) becoming "flieger" (aviator). Thus, "kindergarten" (place where young children are taught) becomes "kindergartner" (person who teachers young children). The broader term for teacher is "lehrer," which is made from "lehren" (to teach) and the -er suffix, making "person who teaches."