Crossword Genius

Charge excluding a German house-guest (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lodger

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'house-guest' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'charge excluding a german' is the wordplay.
'charge' becomes 'lodge' (synonyms).
'excluding a german' becomes 'r' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'lodge'+'r'='LODGER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lodger that I've seen before include "Renter sharing with the owner" , "Renter who lives with the owner" , "One who lives in a hired room" , "One paying for accommodation" , "Renter of rooms" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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