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Vocab: Work & office — B1 (3)
Work & office vocabulary at B1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
der Experte — expert, specialist
Der Experte is a weak masculine noun: it takes -n in the accusative, dative and genitive singular and has Experten in the plural. Its feminine equivalent is die Expertin.
Der Experte erklärt das Problem.
The expert explains the problem.
erklärt means “explains,” and das Problem means “the problem.” Der Experte is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb erklärt stands in position two.
Ich frage den Experten um Rat.
I ask the expert for advice.
frage means “ask,” um Rat means “for advice,” and Rat is advice. Den Experten is accusative because fragen takes an accusative object; the weak noun adds -n outside the nominative singular.
Wir danken dem Experten für seine Hilfe.
We thank the expert for his help.
danken means “thank,” für seine Hilfe means “for his help,” and Hilfe means “help.” Dem Experten is dative because danken governs the dative; Experte again becomes Experten.
Die Meinung des Experten ist wichtig.
The expert’s opinion is important.
die Meinung means “the opinion,” and wichtig means “important.” Des Experten is genitive because it shows whose opinion it is; the weak noun has -n even in the genitive singular.
Die Experten diskutieren über neue Lösungen.
The experts are discussing new solutions.
diskutieren means “discuss,” über means “about,” and Lösungen means “solutions.” Die Experten is the plural subject; the plural keeps -en, and diskutieren stands in position two.
der Facharzt — specialist doctor
Facharzt is a doctor with a recognised specialisation, such as cardiology or dermatology. The feminine form is Fachärztin, and the plural of the masculine form is Fachärzte.
Der Facharzt untersucht den Patienten.
The specialist doctor examines the patient.
untersucht means examines, and der Patient means the patient. Der Facharzt is nominative because he is the subject, while den Patienten is accusative because untersuchen takes a direct object.
Ich brauche einen Facharzt.
I need a specialist doctor.
brauche means need, and einen means a in the masculine accusative. Einen Facharzt is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; brauche is the finite verb in position two.
Ich vertraue dem Facharzt.
I trust the specialist doctor.
vertraue means trust. Dem Facharzt is dative because vertrauen always takes a dative person, not an accusative person.
Die Empfehlung des Facharztes war hilfreich.
The specialist doctor’s recommendation was helpful.
die Empfehlung means the recommendation, and hilfreich means helpful. Des Facharztes is genitive to show possession; the masculine noun takes -es and the finite verb war is in position two.
Viele Fachärzte arbeiten in diesem Krankenhaus.
Many specialist doctors work in this hospital.
viele means many, and dieses Krankenhaus means this hospital. Fachärzte is plural with an umlaut; because it is the subject, it is nominative and the verb arbeiten follows in position two.
die Fachfrau — female expert; female specialist
Fachfrau is the feminine counterpart of Fachmann and can mean a female expert or a female trained specialist. In professional writing, Fachkraft is often used as a gender-neutral alternative.
Die Fachfrau erklärt das Problem.
The female expert explains the problem.
erklärt means explains, and das Problem means the problem. Die Fachfrau is nominative because she is the subject, while das Problem is accusative because erklären takes a direct object.
Wir suchen eine Fachfrau.
We are looking for a female expert.
suchen means look for. Eine Fachfrau is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, the article eine looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich danke der Fachfrau für ihre Hilfe.
I thank the female expert for her help.
danke means thank, ihre Hilfe means her help, and für means for. Der Fachfrau is dative because danken requires a dative person; für ihre Hilfe is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Meinung der Fachfrau ist wichtig.
The female expert’s opinion is important.
die Meinung means the opinion, and wichtig means important. Der Fachfrau is genitive because it shows whose opinion it is; the feminine genitive article is der.
Auf der Konferenz sprechen mehrere Fachfrauen.
Several female experts are speaking at the conference.
auf der Konferenz means at the conference, and mehrere means several. Fachfrauen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; auf der Konferenz is dative because it describes a location.
der Fachmann — expert, specialist
The usual plural is Fachleute, not Fachmänner, when referring to experts. The feminine form is die Fachfrau, with plural die Fachfrauen.
Der Fachmann repariert die Waschmaschine.
The expert is repairing the washing machine.
repariert means is repairing, and die Waschmaschine is the washing machine. Der Fachmann is nominative because he is the subject doing the action; the finite verb repariert stands in position two.
Ich rufe den Fachmann morgen an.
I will call the expert tomorrow.
rufe ... an means call, and morgen means tomorrow. Den Fachmann is accusative because anrufen takes a direct object; the finite part rufe is in position two and the prefix an goes to the end.
Wir danken dem Fachmann für seine Hilfe.
We thank the expert for his help.
danken means thank, and seine Hilfe means his help. Dem Fachmann is dative because danken always takes a dative person; für seine Hilfe is an additional phrase with für plus accusative.
Die Einschätzung des Fachmanns war sehr genau.
The expert's assessment was very precise.
die Einschätzung is the assessment, and sehr genau means very precise. Des Fachmanns is genitive to show possession, and the noun adds -s; the finite verb war stands in position two.
Auf der Messe treffen sich viele Fachleute.
Many experts meet at the trade fair.
die Messe is the trade fair, and viele means many. Fachleute is the irregular plural of Fachmann; auf der Messe is dative because it describes a location, while viele Fachleute is the nominative subject.
der Familienbetrieb — family business, family-run business
Familienbetrieb is a compound of Familie, “family”, and Betrieb, “business” or “enterprise”. It usually suggests a small or medium-sized business managed by family members, not simply any business owned by a family.
Der Familienbetrieb verkauft frisches Brot.
The family business sells fresh bread.
verkauft means “sells”, and frisches Brot means fresh bread. Der Familienbetrieb is nominative because it is the subject, while frisches Brot is accusative because verkaufen takes a direct object; verkauft is in position two.
Die Stadt unterstützt den Familienbetrieb.
The town supports the family business.
die Stadt is the town or city, and unterstützt means “supports”. den Familienbetrieb is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the finite verb unterstützt stands in position two.
Wir helfen dem Familienbetrieb mit der Werbung.
We help the family business with the advertising.
helfen means “help”, mit der Werbung means “with the advertising”, and die Werbung is advertising. dem Familienbetrieb is dative because helfen governs the dative; mit also takes the dative.
Der Erfolg des Familienbetriebs hängt von den Kunden ab.
The success of the family business depends on the customers.
der Erfolg is the success, hängt ... ab means “depends”, and die Kunden are the customers. des Familienbetriebs is genitive because it shows possession; the separable verb abhängen splits in the main clause, with hängt in position two and ab at the end.
Viele Familienbetriebe verkaufen regionale Produkte.
Many family businesses sell regional products.
viele means “many”, regionale Produkte are regional products, and verkaufen means “sell”. Familienbetriebe is plural and nominative as the subject; regionale Produkte is accusative as the object.
die Finanzabteilung — finance department
This compound combines Finanzen (finances) and Abteilung (department). It means an internal department, not a government tax office.
Die Finanzabteilung prüft die Rechnungen.
The finance department checks the invoices.
prüft means checks, and die Rechnungen means the invoices. Die Finanzabteilung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb prüft is in position two.
Der Chef ruft die Finanzabteilung an.
The boss calls the finance department.
der Chef is the boss and ruft ... an means calls; anrufen is separable. Die Finanzabteilung is accusative because it is the direct object, while the verb parts occupy positions two and the end.
Wir schicken der Finanzabteilung die neuen Daten.
We send the new data to the finance department.
schicken means send, and die neuen Daten means the new data. Der Finanzabteilung is dative because it is the recipient, while die neuen Daten is the accusative thing sent.
Die Entscheidung der Finanzabteilung war überraschend.
The finance department's decision was surprising.
die Entscheidung is the decision and überraschend means surprising. Der Finanzabteilung is genitive to show whose decision it was; the feminine genitive article is der.
In großen Firmen arbeiten mehrere Finanzabteilungen.
Several finance departments work in large companies.
großen Firmen means large companies, and mehrere means several. Finanzabteilungen is plural with mehrere; in großen Firmen is dative here because it describes a location.
die Firmenphilosophie — company philosophy, corporate philosophy
This compound combines Firma, company, with Philosophie, philosophy. It usually refers to stated values and principles, not merely to a company’s internal rules.
Die Firmenphilosophie ist allen Mitarbeitern wichtig.
The company philosophy is important to all employees.
allen Mitarbeitern means to all employees, and wichtig means important. Die Firmenphilosophie is nominative as the subject, while allen Mitarbeitern is dative because wichtig sein commonly presents something as important to someone.
Wir diskutieren die Firmenphilosophie.
We are discussing the company philosophy.
wir means we and diskutieren means discuss. Die Firmenphilosophie is accusative because diskutieren takes the topic as a direct object; the finite verb diskutieren is in position two.
Die Mitarbeiter folgen der Firmenphilosophie.
The employees follow the company philosophy.
die Mitarbeiter means the employees and folgen means follow. Der Firmenphilosophie is dative because folgen always takes a dative object, not an accusative one.
Die Ziele der Firmenphilosophie sind klar.
The goals of the company philosophy are clear.
die Ziele means the goals and klar means clear. Der Firmenphilosophie is genitive because it identifies the philosophy belonging to the goals; die Ziele is the plural subject.
Moderne Firmenphilosophien betonen Nachhaltigkeit.
Modern company philosophies emphasize sustainability.
moderne means modern, betonen means emphasize, and Nachhaltigkeit means sustainability. Firmenphilosophien is plural and acts as the nominative subject, so the finite verb betonen also has a plural form.
der Firmensitz — company headquarters, registered office
Firmensitz can mean the physical headquarters or the official registered location of a company. The compound ends in Sitz, seat or location, not in Firma.
Der Firmensitz liegt in München.
The company headquarters is in Munich.
liegt means is located, and in München means in Munich. Der Firmensitz is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb liegt stands in position two.
Das Unternehmen verlegt den Firmensitz.
The company is relocating its headquarters.
das Unternehmen means the company, and verlegt means relocates. Den Firmensitz is accusative because verlegen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Stadt bietet dem Firmensitz neue Vorteile.
The city offers the company headquarters new advantages.
die Stadt means the city, bietet means offers, and neue Vorteile means new advantages. Dem Firmensitz is dative as the recipient, while neue Vorteile is the accusative thing being offered.
Die Lage des Firmensitzes ist zentral.
The location of the company headquarters is central.
die Lage means the location and zentral means central. Des Firmensitzes is genitive because it tells whose location is meant; the masculine noun takes -es in this form.
Viele Firmensitze liegen außerhalb der Stadt.
Many company headquarters are outside the city.
viele means many, liegen means are located, and außerhalb der Stadt means outside the city. Firmensitze is plural and nominative as the subject; außerhalb takes the genitive in careful standard German.
der Fleischhauer — butcher (regional, especially Austrian)
Fleischhauer is a regional word, especially common in Austria. In much of Germany, Metzger or Fleischer is more usual.
Der Fleischhauer verkauft frisches Fleisch.
The butcher sells fresh meat.
verkauft means sells and frisches Fleisch means fresh meat. Der Fleischhauer is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb verkauft is in position two.
Wir besuchen den Fleischhauer am Samstag.
We are visiting the butcher on Saturday.
besuchen means visit and am Samstag means on Saturday. Den Fleischhauer is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; am is short for an dem.
Ich kaufe beim Fleischhauer ein.
I shop at the butcher’s.
kaufe ... ein means shop or buy things, and beim means at the. Beim Fleischhauer is dative because bei always takes the dative; the separable verb kaufe ... ein splits in the main clause.
Das Geschäft des Fleischhauers liegt neben dem Markt.
The butcher’s shop is next to the market.
das Geschäft is shop, liegt means is located, and neben dem Markt means next to the market. Des Fleischhauers is genitive because it shows whose shop it is; neben takes the dative for this location.
Die Fleischhauer treffen sich am frühen Morgen.
The butchers meet early in the morning.
treffen sich means meet one another and am frühen Morgen means early in the morning. Die Fleischhauer is an unchanged plural, and sich refers back to the plural subject.
die Fleischhauerin — female butcher (regional, especially Austrian)
Fleischhauerin is the feminine form of the regional word Fleischhauer. In much of Germany, Metzgerin or Fleischerin is more usual.
Die Fleischhauerin arbeitet in einem kleinen Geschäft.
The female butcher works in a small shop.
arbeitet means works and ein kleines Geschäft means a small shop. Die Fleischhauerin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich kenne die Fleischhauerin schon lange.
I have known the female butcher for a long time.
kenne means know and schon lange means for a long time. Die Fleischhauerin is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the finite verb kenne is in position two.
Wir kaufen bei der Fleischhauerin ein.
We shop at the female butcher’s.
kaufen ... ein means shop or buy things. Der Fleischhauerin is dative because bei always takes the dative, and the separable verb kaufen ... ein places ein at the end of the main clause.
Das Rezept der Fleischhauerin ist sehr beliebt.
The female butcher’s recipe is very popular.
das Rezept is recipe and beliebt means popular. Der Fleischhauerin is genitive because it shows whose recipe it is; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Fleischhauerinnen beraten ihre Kundinnen gut.
The female butchers advise their female customers well.
beraten means advise, ihre Kundinnen means their female customers, and gut means well. Die Fleischhauerinnen is plural and nominative, so beraten agrees with it and stands in position two.
flexibel — flexible, adaptable
For people, plans and working conditions, this word means able to adapt or change. In job advertisements, flexible Arbeitszeiten means working hours that can change or suit different schedules.
Mein Chef ist sehr flexibel.
My boss is very flexible.
mein Chef means my boss, and sehr means very. flexibel is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Wir brauchen flexible Arbeitszeiten.
We need flexible working hours.
brauchen means need, and Arbeitszeiten means working hours. flexible is feminine accusative plural after brauchen takes an accusative object; the adjective has the plural ending -e here.
Online-Unterricht ist flexibler als Unterricht im Klassenzimmer.
Online lessons are more flexible than classroom lessons.
Online-Unterricht means online teaching, and im Klassenzimmer means in the classroom. flexibler compares two types of teaching and is followed by als; the verb ist stands in position two.
Diese Lösung ist am flexibelsten.
This solution is the most flexible.
diese Lösung means this solution. am flexibelsten is the predicative superlative after ist, and the finite verb stays in position two.
der Flugbegleiter — flight attendant (male)
The feminine form is die Flugbegleiterin. The plural die Flugbegleiter can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Flugbegleiter begrüßt die Passagiere.
The flight attendant welcomes the passengers.
begrüßen means to welcome, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Der Flugbegleiter is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Flugbegleiter am Eingang.
I see the flight attendant at the entrance.
sehen means to see, and der Eingang is the entrance. Den Flugbegleiter is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Der Mitarbeiter hilft dem Flugbegleiter.
The staff member helps the flight attendant.
der Mitarbeiter means the staff member, and helfen means to help. Dem Flugbegleiter is dative because helfen takes a dative object; the masculine article changes to dem.
Die Uniform des Flugbegleiters ist blau.
The flight attendant’s uniform is blue.
die Uniform is the uniform, and blau means blue. Des Flugbegleiters is genitive and shows possession; the masculine noun takes -s.
Die Flugbegleiter helfen den Passagieren.
The flight attendants help the passengers.
helfen means to help, and die Passagiere are the passengers. Die Flugbegleiter is plural and nominative as the subject; den Passagieren is dative because helfen requires the dative.
die Fortbildung — professional development, further training
Eine Fortbildung is additional training, usually connected with a person's job or profession. It is not simply any school lesson; it normally helps someone update or extend work-related skills.
Die Fortbildung beginnt am Montag.
The professional-development course starts on Monday.
beginnt means starts, and am Montag means on Monday. Die Fortbildung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich mache die Fortbildung im Herbst.
I am doing the professional-development course in autumn.
machen means to do or take, and im Herbst means in autumn. Die Fortbildung is accusative because machen takes a direct object; the feminine article is still die.
Sie nimmt an der Fortbildung teil.
She takes part in the professional-development course.
teilnehmen means to take part, and sie means she. An takes the dative when it means participation in an event, so der Fortbildung is dative; the separable verb nimmt ... teil puts teil at the end.
Die Kosten der Fortbildung übernimmt die Firma.
The company covers the costs of the training.
die Kosten means the costs, and übernehmen means to cover or take responsibility for. Der Fortbildung is genitive to specify which costs, while übernimmt is in position two.
Mehrere Fortbildungen werden angeboten.
Several professional-development courses are offered.
mehrere means several, and angeboten means offered. Fortbildungen is the plural of Fortbildung; werden angeboten is passive, with the participle at the end.
die Friseuse — female hairdresser (often old-fashioned or less neutral)
Friseuse is understood, but it can sound old-fashioned or disrespectful to some people. In present-day neutral language, Friseurin is usually the safer choice.
Die Friseuse hat meiner Mutter die Haare geschnitten.
The hairdresser cut my mother’s hair.
hat geschnitten means cut, meiner Mutter means to my mother, and die Haare means the hair. Friseuse is nominative as the subject; meiner Mutter is dative, and geschnitten goes to the end with haben.
Ich empfehle die Friseuse meiner Freundin nicht.
I do not recommend the hairdresser to my friend.
empfehle means recommend, meiner Freundin means to my female friend, and nicht means not. Friseuse is accusative as the object, while meiner Freundin is dative as the person receiving the recommendation.
Ich helfe der Friseuse beim Aufräumen.
I help the hairdresser tidy up.
helfe means help and beim Aufräumen means while tidying up. Friseuse is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; beim is short for bei dem.
Das Auto der Friseuse steht vor dem Salon.
The hairdresser’s car is in front of the salon.
das Auto means the car, steht means is parked, and vor dem Salon means in front of the salon. Friseuse is genitive because it shows possession, while vor dem Salon is dative for location.
Die Friseusen unterhalten sich über ihre Arbeit.
The female hairdressers talk about their work.
unterhalten sich means chat, über means about, and ihre Arbeit means their work. Friseusen is the plural, but Friseurinnen is usually the more neutral modern word.
Früher arbeitete die Friseuse in unserem Dorf.
In the past, the hairdresser worked in our village.
früher means in the past, arbeitete means worked, and unserem Dorf means our village. Friseuse is nominative, and in unserem Dorf is dative because it describes location.
fähig — capable, competent
Fähig is often used with zu and an infinitive: fähig sein, etwas zu tun. It describes ability or competence, not merely permission.
Sie ist fähig, schwierige Probleme zu lösen.
She is capable of solving difficult problems.
schwierige Probleme means difficult problems, and lösen means to solve. Fähig stands after sein in the predicative position, while zu lösen is an infinitive clause expressing what she can do.
Er ist ein fähiger Ingenieur.
He is a capable engineer.
ein Ingenieur means an engineer. Fähiger stands before the masculine noun Ingenieur and has the ending -er after ein in the nominative; the adjective describes the person rather than forming the main verb.
Marta ist fähiger als ihr Kollege.
Marta is more capable than her colleague.
ihr Kollege means her colleague. Fähiger is the comparative and is followed by als when two people are compared; ist remains the finite verb in position two.
Von allen Bewerbern ist Tom am fähigsten.
Of all the applicants, Tom is the most capable.
von allen Bewerbern means of all the applicants. Von takes the dative, shown by allen Bewerbern, and am fähigsten is the predicative superlative at the end of the clause.
die Fähigkeit — ability, skill
Die Fähigkeit refers either to a general ability or to a learned skill. With an action, it commonly appears as die Fähigkeit, etwas zu tun or die Fähigkeit zu etwas.
Die Fähigkeit zu planen ist wichtig.
The ability to plan is important.
zu planen means to plan, and wichtig means important. Die Fähigkeit is the nominative subject; the infinitive phrase with zu explains which ability is meant, and ist stands in position two.
Sie entwickelt die Fähigkeit, klar zu sprechen.
She develops the ability to speak clearly.
entwickelt means develops, and klar zu sprechen means to speak clearly. Die Fähigkeit is accusative because entwickeln takes a direct object; the infinitive phrase comes after the noun and explains the skill.
Mit der Fähigkeit kann er viele Aufgaben erledigen.
With this ability, he can complete many tasks.
mit means with, viele Aufgaben means many tasks, and erledigen means complete. Mit always takes the dative, so die Fähigkeit becomes der Fähigkeit; the modal verb kann is in position two and erledigen goes to the end.
Die Bedeutung der Fähigkeit ist unklar.
The importance of the ability is unclear.
die Bedeutung means the importance or meaning, and unklar means unclear. Der Fähigkeit is genitive and shows which ability is meant; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Kinder entwickeln Fähigkeiten durch Spielen.
Children develop skills through play.
Kinder means children, durch means through, and Spielen means playing. Fähigkeiten is plural accusative because entwickeln takes a direct object, while durch Spielen gives the method.
fördern — to support, promote; to encourage, advance
Fördern usually means helping a person, ability, activity, or area develop. It is not the same as fordern, which means to demand.
Die Schule fördert talentierte Kinder.
The school supports talented children.
talentierte Kinder means talented children. Kinder is accusative because fördern takes an accusative object, and the finite verb fördert stands in position two.
Die Schule hat talentierte Kinder gefördert.
The school has supported talented children.
talentierte Kinder means talented children. The perfect uses hat plus gefördert, and the Partizip II goes to the end; Kinder is accusative after fördern.
Die Schule förderte talentierte Kinder.
The school supported talented children.
talentierte Kinder means talented children. Förderte is the weak-verb past form with -te, and Kinder is accusative because it is the object of fördern.
Fördere bitte die Kinder.
Please support the children.
bitte means please, and die Kinder means the children. Fördere is the du imperative, while the object remains accusative after fördern.
Die Schule würde mehr Kinder fördern, wenn sie mehr Geld hätte.
The school would support more children if it had more money.
mehr Kinder means more children, and wenn means if. Würde fördern expresses a hypothetical action; Kinder is accusative, and hätte stands at the end of the wenn clause.
Die Schule wird nächstes Jahr mehr Kinder fördern.
The school will support more children next year.
nächstes Jahr means next year, and mehr Kinder means more children. Future tense uses wird plus the infinitive fördern, which goes to the end; Kinder is accusative.
Die neue Straße fördert den Tourismus.
The new road promotes tourism.
die neue Straße means the new road, and den Tourismus means tourism. Tourismus is accusative because fördern takes an accusative object; fördert is in position two.
Das Projekt fördert die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Ländern.
The project encourages cooperation between the countries.
das Projekt means the project, and die Zusammenarbeit means cooperation; zwischen den Ländern means between the countries. Zusammenarbeit is accusative after fördern, while zwischen takes the dative here.
die Förderung — support, funding; promotion, development support
Förderung is often financial support from the state or another organisation. It can also mean support for education, talent, or a project more generally.
Die Förderung des Projekts ist wichtig.
The funding of the project is important.
des Projekts means of the project, and wichtig means important. Förderung is nominative because it is the subject; des Projekts is genitive and shows what is being funded.
Wir brauchen die Förderung für das Projekt.
We need the funding for the project.
Wir brauchen means we need, and für das Projekt means for the project. Förderung is accusative because brauchen takes an accusative object; für always takes the accusative.
Die Firma hilft der Förderung junger Talente.
The company helps the promotion of young talents.
die Firma means the company, and junge Talente means young talents. Förderung is dative after helfen; junger Talente is genitive and identifies the people being supported.
Die Wirkung der Förderung ist deutlich.
The effect of the funding is clear.
die Wirkung means the effect, and deutlich means clear. Der Förderung is genitive after Wirkung, expressing whose effect it is; the feminine noun keeps the form Förderung.
Viele Förderungen laufen Ende des Jahres aus.
Many funding programmes expire at the end of the year.
viele Förderungen means many funding programmes, and laufen ... aus means expire or run out. Förderungen is plural, and des Jahres is genitive after Ende; the separable verb places aus at the end.
Kinder brauchen individuelle Förderung.
Children need individual support.
Kinder means children, and individuelle means individual. Förderung is accusative after brauchen, while individuelle has the feminine accusative ending before the noun.
Die Förderung von Sprachen beginnt früh.
Language support begins early.
von Sprachen means of languages, and beginnt früh means begins early. Förderung is the nominative subject, and the von phrase specifies what kind of support is meant.
die Führung — leadership; management; guided tour
This sense refers to leadership or management, not only to one person. Führung can also mean a guided tour; the context tells you which meaning is intended.
Die Führung entscheidet morgen über den Plan.
The leadership will decide about the plan tomorrow.
entscheidet means decides, morgen means tomorrow, and über den Plan means about the plan. Die Führung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb entscheidet is in position two.
Die Mitarbeiter kritisieren die Führung.
The employees criticise the leadership.
die Mitarbeiter means the employees and kritisieren means criticise. Die Führung is accusative because kritisieren takes a direct object; the finite verb kritisieren stands in position two.
Viele Mitarbeiter vertrauen der Führung.
Many employees trust the leadership.
viele Mitarbeiter means many employees and vertrauen means trust. Vertrauen takes a dative object, so der Führung is dative; the finite verb is in position two.
Die Entscheidungen der Führung sorgen für Unruhe.
The leadership's decisions are causing unrest.
die Entscheidungen means the decisions, sorgen für means cause or create, and die Unruhe means unrest. Der Führung is genitive because it shows whose decisions they are.
Die neuen Führungen treffen sich heute.
The new leadership teams are meeting today.
neu means new, treffen sich means meet, and heute means today. Führungen is the plural subject, and sich treffen is a reflexive expression meaning to meet.
Die Führung durch das Museum beginnt um zehn.
The guided tour through the museum starts at ten.
durch das Museum means through the museum and beginnt means starts. Die Führung is the nominative subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Wir nehmen an einer Führung teil.
We are taking part in a guided tour.
teilnehmen means to take part and einer means a in the feminine dative here. An meaning participation takes the dative, and the separable verb teilnehmen appears as nehmen ... teil in a main clause.
der Gastarbeiter — guest worker, migrant worker (historical term)
Gastarbeiter is mainly a historical term for workers recruited from abroad, especially in West Germany; for present-day contexts, Arbeitsmigrant or ausländischer Arbeitnehmer may be more suitable.
Der Gastarbeiter kam in den sechziger Jahren nach Deutschland.
The guest worker came to Germany in the 1960s.
kam means came, in den sechziger Jahren means in the 1960s, and nach Deutschland means to Germany. Der Gastarbeiter is nominative as the subject, and the finite verb kam is in position two.
Die Zeitung interviewte den Gastarbeiter.
The newspaper interviewed the guest worker.
die Zeitung means the newspaper and interviewte means interviewed. Den Gastarbeiter is accusative because interviewen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes to den.
Die Stadt half dem Gastarbeiter bei der Wohnungssuche.
The city helped the guest worker look for a flat.
die Stadt means the city, half means helped, and die Wohnungssuche means the search for a flat. Dem Gastarbeiter is dative because helfen requires the dative; bei also takes the dative in bei der Wohnungssuche.
Die Geschichte des Gastarbeiters wurde oft erzählt.
The guest worker’s story was often told.
die Geschichte means the story, wurde erzählt means was told, and oft means often. Des Gastarbeiters is genitive to show whose story it is, while wurde erzählt is a passive construction with the finite verb in position two.
Viele Gastarbeiter gründeten hier Familien.
Many guest workers started families here.
viele means many, gründeten means started or founded, hier means here, and Familien means families. Gastarbeiter has the same written form in the singular and plural; only the article or another determiner makes the number clear.
der Gehalt — content, substance
This masculine noun, der Gehalt, means content or substance. It is different from neuter das Gehalt, which means salary; the masculine plural is die Gehalte, while the salary plural is die Gehälter.
Der Gehalt an Zucker ist hoch.
The sugar content is high.
der Zucker is sugar, and hoch means high. Der Gehalt is nominative because it is the subject; an Zucker specifies what is being measured, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir messen den Gehalt an Salz.
We measure the salt content.
messen means to measure, and das Salz is salt. Den Gehalt is accusative because messen takes a direct object; an Salz names the substance whose content is measured.
Das Getränk fehlt dem Gehalt an Vitaminen.
The drink lacks vitamin content.
das Getränk is the drink, fehlen means to be lacking, and die Vitamine are vitamins. Dem Gehalt is dative because fehlen takes a dative complement; this sentence is formal and means that the drink lacks content in vitamins.
Die Messung des Gehalts dauert lange.
The measurement of the content takes a long time.
die Messung is the measurement, and dauert lange means takes a long time. Des Gehalts is genitive and identifies what is measured; the masculine noun takes -s in this form.
Die verschiedenen Gehalte werden verglichen.
The different contents are compared.
verschieden means different, and verglichen means compared. Die Gehalte is the plural of masculine der Gehalt in the content sense; werden verglichen is the present passive, with the participle at the end.
geschäftlich — business-related, commercial, professional
Geschäftlich describes something connected with business or professional life, often contrasted with privat. It is less common in everyday conversation than compounds such as Geschäftstermin or Geschäftsreise.
Der Termin ist geschäftlich.
The appointment is for business.
der Termin means “the appointment,” and ist means “is.” Geschäftlich is predicative after the linking verb ist, so it has no adjective ending.
Wir haben ein geschäftliches Treffen.
We have a business meeting.
ein Treffen means “a meeting,” and haben means “have.” Geschäftliches stands before the neuter noun Treffen in the accusative; after the indefinite article ein, the adjective takes -es.
Der zweite Termin ist geschäftlicher als der erste.
The second appointment is more business-related than the first.
der zweite Termin means “the second appointment,” and der erste means “the first one.” Geschäftlicher compares two appointments and is followed by als; because it is predicative after ist, it has no noun ending.
Diese Konferenz war am geschäftlichsten.
This conference was the most business-oriented.
diese Konferenz means “this conference,” and war means “was.” Am geschäftlichsten is the predicative superlative, built with am plus the adjective ending -sten; it does not take a noun ending here.
die Geschäftsfrau — businesswoman
This compound combines Geschäft (“business”) and Frau (“woman”). It refers broadly to a woman who owns, manages, or works in business, not only to the owner of a shop.
Die Geschäftsfrau leitet eine kleine Firma.
The businesswoman runs a small company.
leitet means “runs” or “manages,” and eine kleine Firma is “a small company.” Die Geschäftsfrau is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb leitet stands in position two.
Ich treffe die Geschäftsfrau morgen.
I am meeting the businesswoman tomorrow.
treffe means “meet,” and morgen means “tomorrow.” Die Geschäftsfrau is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine accusative article remains die.
Ich helfe der Geschäftsfrau bei der Arbeit.
I am helping the businesswoman with the work.
helfe means “help,” and bei der Arbeit means “with the work.” Der Geschäftsfrau is dative because helfen requires a dative person; bei also always takes the dative.
Das Büro der Geschäftsfrau liegt im Zentrum.
The businesswoman’s office is in the city centre.
das Büro means “the office,” and liegt im Zentrum means “is located in the city centre.” Der Geschäftsfrau is genitive because it shows possession, meaning “of the businesswoman”; feminine nouns have no special genitive ending.
Viele Geschäftsfrauen arbeiten international.
Many businesswomen work internationally.
viele means “many,” and international means “internationally.” Geschäftsfrauen is the plural subject, so the verb is arbeiten; the plural ends in -en.
der Geschäftsführer — managing director, chief executive
Geschäftsführer is the usual title for the person responsible for managing a company or organisation. The feminine form is Geschäftsführerin; the plural Geschäftsführer can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Geschäftsführer unterschreibt den Vertrag.
The managing director signs the contract.
unterschreibt means “signs,” and der Vertrag is “the contract.” Der Geschäftsführer is nominative because he is the subject; den Vertrag is accusative because unterschreiben takes a direct object.
Die Firma sucht einen neuen Geschäftsführer.
The company is looking for a new managing director.
die Firma means “the company,” sucht means “is looking for,” and einen neuen means “a new.” Einen neuen Geschäftsführer is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the masculine article and adjective show the case.
Ich vertraue dem Geschäftsführer.
I trust the managing director.
vertraue means “trust.” Dem Geschäftsführer is dative because vertrauen requires a dative person; the noun itself does not change in this case.
Die Entscheidung des Geschäftsführers überrascht alle.
The managing director’s decision surprises everyone.
die Entscheidung means “the decision,” and überrascht alle means “surprises everyone.” Des Geschäftsführers is genitive because it shows possession; this masculine noun adds -s in the genitive.
Die Geschäftsführer treffen sich heute in Berlin.
The managing directors are meeting in Berlin today.
treffen sich means “meet,” and heute in Berlin means “today in Berlin.” Die Geschäftsführer is the plural subject; the form is identical to the singular, so the plural article die and verb treffen are important clues.
die Geschäftsführerin — female managing director, female chief executive
Geschäftsführerin is the feminine form of Geschäftsführer. It is the usual title for a woman responsible for managing a company or organisation.
Die Geschäftsführerin leitet das Unternehmen.
The managing director runs the company.
leitet means “runs” or “manages,” and das Unternehmen means “the company.” Die Geschäftsführerin is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb leitet stands in position two.
Wir treffen die Geschäftsführerin morgen.
We are meeting the managing director tomorrow.
treffen means “meet,” and morgen means “tomorrow.” Die Geschäftsführerin is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine accusative article remains die.
Die Mitarbeiter helfen der Geschäftsführerin.
The employees help the managing director.
die Mitarbeiter means “the employees,” and helfen means “help.” Der Geschäftsführerin is dative because helfen requires a dative person; the feminine noun has no special dative ending.
Das Büro der Geschäftsführerin ist im dritten Stock.
The managing director’s office is on the third floor.
das Büro means “the office,” and im dritten Stock means “on the third floor.” Der Geschäftsführerin is genitive because it shows possession, meaning “of the managing director”; feminine nouns do not add a genitive ending.
Viele Geschäftsführerinnen arbeiten in großen Firmen.
Many female managing directors work in large companies.
viele means “many,” großen Firmen means “large companies,” and arbeiten means “work.” Geschäftsführerinnen is the plural subject, and the adjective ending in großen follows the plural dative-free form after in here because it describes location-free plural companies as the workplace.
der Geschäftsmann — businessman
This word specifically means a man in business; die Geschäftsfrau is a businesswoman. In modern professional language, die Geschäftsleute or die Unternehmer may be more inclusive alternatives.
Der Geschäftsmann reist oft nach Asien.
The businessman often travels to Asia.
reist means travels, oft means often, and nach Asien means to Asia. Der Geschäftsmann is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb reist is in position two.
Ich treffe den Geschäftsmann morgen im Büro.
I am meeting the businessman at the office tomorrow.
treffe means meet, morgen means tomorrow, and im Büro means at the office. Den Geschäftsmann is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Sie spricht mit dem Geschäftsmann über den Vertrag.
She is speaking with the businessman about the contract.
spricht means speaks, mit means with, and der Vertrag is the contract. Dem Geschäftsmann is dative because mit always governs the dative, while über den Vertrag has the accusative here.
Das Auto des Geschäftsmanns steht vor dem Hotel.
The businessman's car is in front of the hotel.
das Auto is the car, steht means is standing or is located, and vor dem Hotel means in front of the hotel. Des Geschäftsmanns is genitive because it shows possession; vor dem Hotel is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Viele Geschäftsmänner besuchen die Konferenz.
Many businessmen are attending the conference.
viele means many, besuchen means attend or visit, and die Konferenz is the conference. Geschäftsmänner is the plural subject and has the plural verb besuchen.
der Geschäftspartner — business partner
A Geschäftspartner can be an individual or a company with which someone does business. The plural has the same form as the singular, so look at the article or determiner.
Mein Geschäftspartner kommt aus Kanada.
My business partner comes from Canada.
mein means my, kommt means comes, and aus Kanada means from Canada. Mein Geschäftspartner is nominative because it is the subject; aus takes the dative, although the place name has no visible article here.
Wir suchen einen neuen Geschäftspartner.
We are looking for a new business partner.
suchen means look for, neu means new, and einen means a in the masculine accusative. Einen neuen Geschäftspartner is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; both the article and adjective show the case.
Ich telefoniere mit meinem Geschäftspartner.
I am speaking on the phone with my business partner.
telefoniere means speak on the phone, and meinem means my in the masculine dative. Mit meinem Geschäftspartner is dative because mit always governs the dative; the finite verb telefoniere is in position two.
Die E-Mail meines Geschäftspartners liegt auf dem Tisch.
My business partner's email is on the table.
die E-Mail is the email, liegt means is lying or is located, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Meines Geschäftspartners is genitive because it shows possession; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes location.
Die beiden Geschäftspartner unterschreiben den Vertrag.
Both business partners sign the contract.
die beiden means both, unterschreiben means sign, and der Vertrag is the contract. Geschäftspartner has the same spelling in singular and plural; die beiden and the plural verb unterschreiben make the number clear.
die Gewerkschaft — trade union, labour union
die Gewerkschaft represents employees in negotiations with employers. A member is ein Gewerkschaftsmitglied, and Mitglied einer Gewerkschaft means member of a trade union.
Die Gewerkschaft vertritt die Beschäftigten.
The trade union represents the employees.
vertritt means represents, and die Beschäftigten means the employees. Die Gewerkschaft is nominative as the subject, while die Beschäftigten is accusative because vertreten takes a direct object.
Viele Beschäftigte unterstützen die Gewerkschaft.
Many employees support the trade union.
viele Beschäftigte means many employees, and unterstützen means support. die Gewerkschaft is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the feminine article is the same in nominative and accusative.
Die Beschäftigten danken der Gewerkschaft für ihre Hilfe.
The employees thank the trade union for its help.
die Beschäftigten means the employees, danken means thank, and ihre Hilfe means its help. danken always takes a dative person or organisation, so der Gewerkschaft is dative; für ihre Hilfe is accusative after für.
Die Forderungen der Gewerkschaft sind wichtig.
The trade union's demands are important.
die Forderungen means the demands, and wichtig means important. der Gewerkschaft is genitive because it shows whose demands they are; sind is in position two.
Mehrere Gewerkschaften rufen zu einem Streik auf.
Several trade unions call for a strike.
mehrere means several, rufen ... auf means call for, and ein Streik means a strike. Gewerkschaften is plural and nominative as the subject; the separable verb places auf at the end of the main clause.
der Grafiker — graphic designer
The feminine form is die Grafikerin. Der Grafiker is a regular masculine noun: its plural is die Grafiker, with no ending change.
Der Grafiker arbeitet an einem neuen Logo.
The graphic designer is working on a new logo.
arbeitet means is working, an means on, neu means new, and das Logo is a logo. Der Grafiker is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich beauftrage den Grafiker mit der Gestaltung der Website.
I commission the graphic designer to design the website.
beauftragen means to commission, mit means with, die Gestaltung is the design, and die Website is the website. Den Grafiker is accusative because beauftragen takes an accusative object; mit forces the dative in der Gestaltung.
Wir danken dem Grafiker für seine schnelle Arbeit.
We thank the graphic designer for his quick work.
danken means to thank, für means for, schnell means quick, and die Arbeit is work. Dem Grafiker is dative because danken always takes a dative person; für forces the accusative in seine Arbeit.
Die Ideen des Grafikers gefallen dem Kunden.
The graphic designer's ideas appeal to the customer.
die Ideen are the ideas, gefallen means appeal to or please, and der Kunde is the customer. Des Grafikers is genitive to show possession, while dem Kunden is dative because gefallen presents the person who likes something in the dative.
Auf der Messe treffen sich viele Grafiker.
Many graphic designers meet at the trade fair.
die Messe is the trade fair, sich treffen means meet, and viele means many. Grafiker is plural and has no ending change; viele Grafiker is nominative because it is the subject.
gründen — to found, to establish
gründen takes an accusative object: eine Firma gründen means to found a company. Do not confuse it with begründen, which means to give reasons for something.
Sie gründet eine neue Firma.
She is founding a new company.
eine neue Firma means a new company. The object is accusative because gründen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb gründet stands in position two.
Sie hat eine neue Firma gegründet.
She has founded a new company.
hat means has, and eine neue Firma means a new company. The perfect uses haben plus gegründet at the end; the company remains accusative because it is the object of gründen.
Er gründete den Verein im Jahr 2010.
He founded the club in 2010.
der Verein means the club, and im Jahr 2010 means in the year 2010. den Verein is accusative, and the regular past form gründete is in position two.
Gründe jetzt deinen eigenen Betrieb!
Found your own business now!
jetzt means now, deinen eigenen means your own, and der Betrieb means business. The informal imperative has an understood du, and deinen eigenen Betrieb is accusative.
Wenn ich mehr Geld hätte, gründete ich eine Schule.
If I had more money, I would found a school.
wenn means if, mehr Geld means more money, and eine Schule means a school. In the wenn clause the finite verb hätte goes to the end; gründete is the Konjunktiv II form and eine Schule is accusative.
Nächstes Jahr wird sie eine Stiftung gründen.
Next year she will found a foundation.
nächstes Jahr means next year, and eine Stiftung means a foundation. Future uses wird in position two and the infinitive gründen at the end; the foundation is accusative.
gründlich — thorough, thoroughgoing, meticulous
gründlich means careful and complete, not merely slow. It can describe a person, an investigation, work, or the way an action is done.
Die Ärztin untersucht mich gründlich.
The doctor examines me thoroughly.
die Ärztin means the female doctor, untersucht means examines, and mich means me. Here gründlich is used adverbially, so it has no ending; mich is accusative because untersuchen takes an accusative object.
Er macht eine gründliche Prüfung.
He carries out a thorough examination.
macht means does or carries out, and eine Prüfung means an examination. eine gründliche Prüfung is accusative because machen takes an accusative object, and the adjective gets -e after eine with a feminine noun.
Ihre Erklärung ist gründlicher als meine.
Her explanation is more thorough than mine.
ihre Erklärung means her explanation, and meine means mine. gründlicher is predicative after sein and is followed by als for the comparison; it therefore has no adjective ending.
Dieses Team arbeitet am gründlichsten.
This team works most thoroughly.
dieses Team means this team, and arbeitet means works. am gründlichsten is the adverbial superlative, so it describes how the team works rather than standing before a noun.
der Handel — trade, commerce; deal, negotiation
Handel is normally an uncountable noun, so it has no plural. Do not confuse it with handeln, the verb meaning to act, trade, or negotiate.
Handel verbindet viele Länder.
Trade connects many countries.
verbindet means connects, and viele Länder means many countries. Handel is nominative because it is the subject, while viele Länder is accusative because verbindet takes a direct object.
Der Staat unterstützt den Handel.
The state supports trade.
Staat means state and unterstützt means supports. den Handel is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the finite verb unterstützt stands in position two.
Mit dem Handel verdient die Stadt viel Geld.
The city earns a lot of money from trade.
verdient means earns, die Stadt means the city, and viel Geld means a lot of money. dem Handel is dative because mit always takes the dative; the fronted prepositional phrase occupies position one, so verdient comes next.
Die Regeln des Handels ändern sich ständig.
The rules of trade are constantly changing.
Regeln means rules, ändern sich means change, and ständig means constantly. des Handels is genitive because it shows which rules are meant; the reflexive pronoun sich belongs with ändern.
Über den Preis gibt es noch Handel.
There is still room for negotiation about the price.
Über den Preis means about the price, gibt es means there is, and noch means still. Handel is used without a plural because this sense describes negotiation as an activity; über den Preis uses the accusative for the topic of negotiation.
Der Händler bietet einen guten Handel an.
The dealer offers a good deal.
Händler means dealer or trader, bietet ... an means offers, and guten means good. einen guten Handel is accusative because anbieten takes an accusative object; the separable verb splits, with an at the end.
das Handwerk — craft, skilled trade; craftsmanship; workmanship, craftsmanship
Das Handwerk usually means a skilled practical trade or the skilled-trades sector. Its plural Handwerke refers to different trades or crafts; do not confuse it with die Handarbeit, which means handicraft or work done by hand.
Das Handwerk braucht gut ausgebildete Fachkräfte.
The skilled trades need well-trained specialists.
brauchen means to need, and gut ausgebildete Fachkräfte means well-trained specialists. Das Handwerk is nominative because it is the subject, and braucht stands in position two.
Viele junge Menschen wählen ein Handwerk.
Many young people choose a trade.
viele junge Menschen means many young people, and wählen means to choose. Ein Handwerk is accusative because it is the direct object of wählen.
Sie arbeitet seit Jahren im Handwerk.
She has worked in the skilled trades for years.
seit Jahren means for years, and arbeitet means works. Im Handwerk is dative because in describes a location or field here; im is short for in dem.
Die Zukunft des Handwerks ist ein wichtiges Thema.
The future of the skilled trades is an important topic.
die Zukunft means the future, and ein wichtiges Thema means an important topic. Des Handwerks is genitive because it links the future to the skilled trades and takes -s.
In Deutschland gibt es viele verschiedene Handwerke.
There are many different skilled trades in Germany.
in Deutschland means in Germany, and verschiedene means different. Handwerke is the plural for separate trades or crafts; es gibt takes an accusative phrase, although the plural form itself has no visible case ending here.
Dieses Möbelstück ist gutes Handwerk.
This piece of furniture shows good workmanship.
dieses Möbelstück means this piece of furniture, and gutes means good. Gutes Handwerk describes the quality of the furniture; after ist, the noun phrase is a predicate rather than an accusative object.
Bei der Reparatur kommt es auf gutes Handwerk an.
Good workmanship is what matters in the repair.
bei der Reparatur means during the repair, and ankommen auf means to depend on or be a matter of. Bei takes the dative, while auf takes the accusative in the fixed expression auf etwas ankommen; an is separated and stands at the end.
handwerklich — craft-based, skilled-manual
Handwerklich describes practical skilled work and contrasts with industriell, meaning industrial. It usually comes before a noun with an adjective ending, as in handwerkliche Arbeit, or after sein without an ending.
Die Arbeit ist sehr handwerklich.
The work is very craft-based.
die Arbeit means the work, and sehr means very. Handwerklich is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending and stands in the predicate after the finite verb.
Sie hat handwerkliche Fähigkeiten.
She has craft skills.
Fähigkeiten means skills, and haben means to have. Handwerkliche stands before the feminine plural noun and takes -e; the whole phrase handwerkliche Fähigkeiten is accusative after hat.
Diese Arbeit ist handwerklicher als die andere.
This work is more craft-based than the other one.
diese Arbeit means this work, and die andere means the other one. Handwerklicher is the comparative of handwerklich; als introduces the thing it is compared with.
Er arbeitet am handwerklichsten von allen.
He works in the most craft-based way of all.
arbeitet means works, and von allen means of all of them. Am handwerklichsten is the predicative or adverbial superlative with am ...-sten; it does not take a noun ending in this position.
der Hausmann — househusband, male homemaker
Hausmann is the male counterpart of Hausfrau and is also used for a man who manages the home as his main occupation.
Der Hausmann kümmert sich um die Kinder.
The househusband looks after the children.
kümmert sich um means looks after, and die Kinder are the children. Der Hausmann is nominative because it is the subject; sich um is a fixed reflexive pattern, and um takes the accusative.
Die Familie sucht einen Hausmann.
The family is looking for a househusband.
die Familie means the family, and sucht means is looking for. Einen Hausmann is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from ein to einen.
Sie hilft dem Hausmann beim Einkaufen.
She helps the househusband with the shopping.
sie hilft means she helps, and beim Einkaufen means with the shopping. Dem Hausmann is dative because helfen requires a dative person; beim is short for bei dem.
Die Arbeit des Hausmanns wird oft unterschätzt.
The househusband's work is often underestimated.
die Arbeit means the work, oft means often, and unterschätzt means underestimated. Des Hausmanns is genitive because it shows possession, and wird unterschätzt forms a passive construction.
Immer mehr Hausmänner teilen ihre Erfahrungen online.
More and more househusbands share their experiences online.
immer mehr means more and more, teilen means share, ihre Erfahrungen means their experiences, and online means online. Hausmänner is plural; ihre Erfahrungen is accusative because it is the direct object of teilen.
die Herausforderung — challenge
Die Herausforderung is a feminine noun. It often appears with eine große Herausforderung, and the verb meistern means to master or successfully deal with a challenge.
Die Herausforderung ist für mich sehr interessant.
The challenge is very interesting for me.
für mich means for me, and interessant means interesting. Die Herausforderung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Wir nehmen die Herausforderung an.
We accept the challenge.
annehmen means to accept, and wir means we. Die Herausforderung is accusative because annehmen takes a direct object; the verb splits into nehmen ... an, with nehmen in position two.
Sie stellt sich der Herausforderung.
She faces the challenge.
sich stellen means to face or take on, and sie means she. Der Herausforderung is dative because this expression uses sich einer Herausforderung stellen; the reflexive pronoun sich is accusative and the challenge is dative.
Die Lösung der Herausforderung braucht Zeit.
The solution to the challenge takes time.
die Lösung means the solution, and braucht Zeit means takes time. Der Herausforderung is genitive and describes which challenge the solution concerns; the whole phrase Die Lösung der Herausforderung is the nominative subject.
Viele Herausforderungen warten auf uns.
Many challenges await us.
viele means many, warten auf means wait for, and uns means us. Herausforderungen is plural and nominative as the subject, while auf uns is accusative because warten auf requires auf plus accusative.
der Hersteller — manufacturer, producer
Der Hersteller can be a person or a company that makes goods. On packaging, Hersteller often identifies the company responsible for the product; the plural is unchanged: die Hersteller.
Der Hersteller gibt zwei Jahre Garantie.
The manufacturer gives a two-year guarantee.
gibt means “gives”, and zwei Jahre Garantie means “a two-year guarantee”. Der Hersteller is the nominative subject, and the finite verb gibt stands in position two.
Ich kontaktiere den Hersteller direkt.
I contact the manufacturer directly.
kontaktieren means “contact”, and direkt means “directly”. Den Hersteller is accusative because kontaktieren takes a direct object; the finite verb kontaktiere is in position two.
Wir schreiben dem Hersteller eine E-Mail.
We are writing the manufacturer an email.
schreiben means “write”, and eine E-Mail is “an email”. Dem Hersteller is dative because it is the recipient, while eine E-Mail is the accusative thing being written.
Die Qualität des Herstellers ist ausgezeichnet.
The manufacturer’s quality is excellent.
die Qualität means “the quality”, and ausgezeichnet means “excellent”. Des Herstellers is genitive to show whose quality it is; this noun takes -s, and ist ausgezeichnet is a predicative adjective phrase.
Die Hersteller präsentieren ihre neuen Produkte.
The manufacturers present their new products.
präsentieren means “present”, ihre means “their”, and neuen Produkte are “new products”. Die Hersteller is the plural subject with no ending, while ihre neuen Produkte is accusative because it is the object presented.
die Herstellung — production, manufacture
Herstellung focuses on the process of making something, while Produktion is also common, especially in industry. The feminine noun has the plural Herstellungen, but the singular is more frequent when production is discussed generally.
Die Herstellung von Solarzellen ist technisch anspruchsvoll.
The manufacture of solar cells is technically demanding.
Solarzellen are solar cells, and technisch anspruchsvoll means technically demanding. Die Herstellung is nominative because it is the subject; the preposition von introduces the thing being manufactured, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Wir unterstützen die Herstellung regionaler Lebensmittel.
We support the production of regional food.
unterstützen means to support, and regionale Lebensmittel are locally produced foods. Die Herstellung is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the finite verb unterstützen stands in position two.
Mit der Herstellung beginnt das Unternehmen im Januar.
The company begins production in January.
beginnt means begins, and Unternehmen means company. Mit always takes the dative, so der Herstellung is dative; the phrase beginning with mit occupies position one, putting beginnt in position two.
Die Qualität der Herstellung wird regelmäßig geprüft.
The quality of the production is checked regularly.
Qualität means quality, regelmäßig means regularly, and geprüft means checked. Der Herstellung is genitive because it identifies whose quality is meant; wird geprüft is a passive construction with the participle at the end.
Moderne Herstellungen sparen oft Energie.
Modern production processes often save energy.
moderne means modern, and sparen Energie means save energy. Herstellungen is plural and therefore takes moderne without a noun ending after the article is omitted; the finite verb sparen is in position two.
der Hirte — shepherd; spiritual guide, shepherd (figurative)
Der Hirte is a weak masculine noun: it becomes den Hirten, dem Hirten, and des Hirten in the other singular cases. The feminine form is die Hirtin.
Der Hirte führt die Schafe auf die Weide.
The shepherd leads the sheep to the pasture.
führen means lead, die Schafe means the sheep, and die Weide means the pasture. Der Hirte is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb führt stands in position two, and die Schafe is accusative as the object.
Ich sehe den Hirten auf dem Feld.
I see the shepherd in the field.
sehen means see, das Feld means the field, and auf dem Feld means in the field. Den Hirten is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object; Hirte is a weak masculine noun and therefore becomes Hirten.
Ich helfe dem Hirten bei der Arbeit.
I help the shepherd with the work.
helfen means help, die Arbeit means the work, and bei means with or during. Dem Hirten is dative because helfen governs the dative; the noun keeps its weak ending -n.
Das Pferd des Hirten steht im Stall.
The shepherd's horse is standing in the stable.
das Pferd means the horse and der Stall means the stable. Des Hirten is genitive because it expresses possession, and the weak noun has -n; the finite verb steht is in position two.
Die Hirten sitzen am Feuer.
The shepherds are sitting by the fire.
sitzen means sit, and das Feuer means the fire. Die Hirten is the plural subject, and am Feuer is short for an dem Feuer, with dative because it describes a location; the plural also ends in -n.
In der Geschichte ist der Hirte ein Symbol für einen guten Anführer.
In the story, the shepherd is a symbol of a good leader.
die Geschichte means the story, das Symbol means the symbol, and der Anführer means the leader. Der Hirte is nominative as the subject; für einen guten Anführer is accusative after für, and in der Geschichte is dative because it describes a location or context.
Viele Menschen sehen ihn als geistlichen Hirten.
Many people see him as a spiritual shepherd.
viele Menschen means many people, sehen means see, and geistlich means spiritual. Ihn is accusative after sehen, and als geistlichen Hirten describes him in that role; Hirten has the weak-noun ending -n.
die Hirtin — shepherdess, female shepherd
Die Hirtin is the feminine form of der Hirte. Its plural is die Hirtinnen, with -innen, and unlike the weak masculine noun, the feminine noun does not add -n in the other singular cases.
Die Hirtin führt ihre Schafe zur Weide.
The shepherdess leads her sheep to the pasture.
führen means lead, ihre Schafe means her sheep, and die Weide means the pasture. Die Hirtin is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb führt stands in position two, and zur Weide is short for zu der Weide, with dative after zu.
Ich sehe die Hirtin am Fluss.
I see the shepherdess by the river.
sehen means see, der Fluss means the river, and am Fluss means by the river. Die Hirtin is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object; feminine nominative and accusative have the same article and noun form.
Ich helfe der Hirtin mit dem Zaun.
I help the shepherdess with the fence.
helfen means help, der Zaun means the fence, and mit means with. Der Hirtin is dative because helfen governs the dative; mit dem Zaun is also dative because mit always takes dative.
Das Haus der Hirtin steht am Waldrand.
The shepherdess's house stands at the edge of the forest.
das Haus means the house, stehen means stand or be located, and der Waldrand means the edge of the forest. Der Hirtin is genitive because it shows possession; the feminine noun itself does not change, and am Waldrand is a location phrase.
Die Hirtinnen arbeiten zusammen auf der Alm.
The shepherdesses work together in the mountain pasture.
arbeiten means work, zusammen means together, and die Alm means the mountain pasture. Die Hirtinnen is the plural subject; the ending -innen marks a feminine plural, and auf der Alm is dative because it describes a location.
der Händler — dealer, trader, retailer; retailer, vendor
Händler is a person or company that trades in goods; the exact English translation can be dealer, trader, or retailer. Its plural is unchanged (die Händler), and the genitive is des Händlers.
Der Händler verkauft gebrauchte Fahrräder.
The dealer sells used bicycles.
verkauft means sells, gebrauchte means used, and Fahrräder means bicycles. Der Händler is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb verkauft is in position two, and gebrauchte Fahrräder is its accusative object.
Wir besuchen den Händler morgen.
We are visiting the dealer tomorrow.
besuchen means visit and morgen means tomorrow. Den Händler is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the time word morgen occupies the final position here.
Ich vertraue dem Händler nicht.
I do not trust the dealer.
vertraue means trust, and nicht means not. Dem Händler is dative because vertrauen always takes a dative person; the finite verb vertraue stands in position two.
Der Preis des Händlers ist zu hoch.
The dealer's price is too high.
Der Preis means the price, and zu hoch means too high. Des Händlers is genitive because it shows whose price it is; the masculine noun adds -s after des.
Viele Händler bieten Rabatte an.
Many dealers offer discounts.
Viele means many, bieten ... an means offer, and Rabatte means discounts. Händler is plural with viele; bieten is in position two and the separable prefix an goes to the end.
Der Online-Händler liefert schnell.
The online retailer delivers quickly.
Online- means online, liefert means delivers, and schnell means quickly. Online-Händler is the compound subject in the nominative; the finite verb liefert is in position two.
Ich kaufe das Gerät direkt beim Händler.
I buy the device directly from the retailer.
kaufe means buy, das Gerät means the device, and direkt means directly. Beim Händler means from or at the retailer; bei always takes the dative, so der Händler becomes dem Händler after bei dem.
die Händlerin — female dealer, female shopkeeper
Händlerin is the feminine form of Händler, a dealer or shopkeeper. It is formed with the feminine ending -in, and its plural is Händlerinnen.
Die Händlerin verkauft frisches Gemüse.
The female dealer sells fresh vegetables.
frisches Gemüse means fresh vegetables, and verkauft means sells. Die Händlerin is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb verkauft is in position two.
Ich sehe die Händlerin jeden Samstag auf dem Markt.
I see the female dealer at the market every Saturday.
jeden Samstag means every Saturday, and auf dem Markt means at the market. Die Händlerin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Ich gebe der Händlerin das Geld.
I give the money to the female dealer.
das Geld means the money, and gebe means give. Der Händlerin is dative because she is the recipient of das Geld; gebe is in position two.
Der Stand der Händlerin ist heute geschlossen.
The female dealer’s stall is closed today.
der Stand means the stall, and geschlossen means closed. Der Händlerin is genitive because it shows whose stall it is; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Auf dem Markt arbeiten drei Händlerinnen.
Three female dealers work at the market.
auf dem Markt means at the market, and arbeiten means work. Händlerinnen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural is formed with -innen and the verb is in position two.
industriell — industrial
industriell describes something connected with large-scale production or factories. It normally refers to an economic or technical character, not simply to something made by hand or in a small workshop.
Die Region ist stark industriell geprägt.
The region is strongly industrial in character.
die Region means the region and stark geprägt means strongly characterised. industriell is predicative after ist and therefore has no ending; geprägt stands at the end because it is the participle in a fixed passive-style expression.
Das Land hat eine industrielle Wirtschaft.
The country has an industrial economy.
das Land means the country and die Wirtschaft means the economy. eine industrielle Wirtschaft is the accusative object of hat, so the feminine adjective takes -e after eine; the finite verb hat is in position two.
Diese Stadt ist industrieller als das Dorf.
This city is more industrial than the village.
diese Stadt means this city and das Dorf means the village. industrieller compares the city with the village and is followed by als; after ist, the comparative adjective has no ending.
Die Hauptstadt ist am industriellsten.
The capital is the most industrial.
die Hauptstadt means the capital. The predicative superlative is built with am and -sten, and it has no adjective ending because it is not directly before a noun.
der Informatiker — computer scientist, IT specialist
The masculine noun der Informatiker has the same form in the singular and plural. The feminine form is die Informatikerin.
Der Informatiker arbeitet in einem großen Unternehmen.
The computer scientist works in a large company.
arbeitet means works, and großes Unternehmen means large company; in einem Unternehmen means in a company. Der Informatiker is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Das Unternehmen sucht einen Informatiker.
The company is looking for a computer scientist.
Unternehmen means company and sucht means is looking for. Einen Informatiker is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; the finite verb sucht stands in position two.
Ich vertraue dem Informatiker bei diesem Projekt.
I trust the computer scientist with this project.
vertraue means trust, and dieses Projekt means this project. Dem Informatiker is dative because vertrauen requires a dative object, while vertraue is in position two.
Das ist der Bericht des Informatikers.
That is the computer scientist’s report.
Bericht means report and das means that. Des Informatikers is genitive because it shows whose report it is; the genitive ending -s is added to the masculine noun.
Viele Informatiker arbeiten heute im Homeoffice.
Many computer scientists work from home today.
Viele means many, heute means today, and Homeoffice means working from home. Viele Informatiker is plural, so the article is not used here and the noun keeps the same form as the singular.
der Ingenieur — engineer
Ingenieur is a masculine noun with the plural Ingenieure and genitive des Ingenieurs. Do not treat it like a weak noun: say mit dem Ingenieur, not mit dem Ingenieuren.
Der Ingenieur entwickelt eine neue Maschine.
The engineer is developing a new machine.
entwickelt means develops, and neue Maschine means new machine. Der Ingenieur is nominative because he is the subject, while eine neue Maschine is accusative as the object; the finite verb entwickelt is in position two.
Die Firma stellt den Ingenieur ein.
The company hires the engineer.
Firma means company and stellt ... ein means hires. Den Ingenieur is accusative because einstellen takes an accusative object; the separable verb has stellt in position two and ein at the end.
Ich danke dem Ingenieur für seine Hilfe.
I thank the engineer for his help.
danke means thank, für means for, and Hilfe means help. Dem Ingenieur is dative because danken requires a dative object; für seine Hilfe is an additional phrase with accusative after für.
Das Büro des Ingenieurs liegt im Zentrum.
The engineer’s office is in the city centre.
Büro means office, liegt means is located, and Zentrum means centre. Des Ingenieurs is genitive because it shows whose office it is; the masculine noun takes -s in the genitive.
Viele Ingenieure arbeiten an diesem Projekt.
Many engineers are working on this project.
Viele means many, arbeiten means work, and Projekt means project. Ingenieure is the plural with -e; an diesem Projekt is dative because it describes work on a project rather than movement toward it.
die Ingenieurin — female engineer, woman engineer
Ingenieurin is the feminine form of Ingenieur. Its plural is Ingenieurinnen, with the ending -nen, not -in.
Die Ingenieurin arbeitet an einem neuen Gebäude.
The engineer is working on a new building.
arbeitet means works, neuen Gebäude means new building, and an means on here. Die Ingenieurin is nominative because she is the subject; an einem neuen Gebäude is dative because it describes work in a fixed location or project, and arbeitet is in position two.
Das Unternehmen sucht eine Ingenieurin.
The company is looking for an engineer.
Unternehmen means company and sucht means is looking for. Eine Ingenieurin is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; the finite verb sucht stands in position two.
Wir gratulieren der Ingenieurin zum Erfolg.
We congratulate the engineer on her success.
gratulieren means congratulate, Erfolg means success, and zum means to the. Der Ingenieurin is dative because gratulieren requires a dative object; zum Erfolg is also dative after the fixed combination zu dem.
Das ist das Auto der Ingenieurin.
That is the female engineer’s car.
Auto means car. Der Ingenieurin is genitive because it shows whose car it is; the feminine genitive article is der, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Ingenieurinnen planen eine Brücke.
The female engineers are planning a bridge.
planen means plan and Brücke means bridge. Ingenieurinnen is plural, formed with -nen; eine Brücke is accusative because it is the object of planen, and planen is in position two.
der Inhaber — owner, holder
Inhaber can mean the owner of a business or the official holder of a ticket, account, or licence. It is a masculine noun whose plural has no ending: der Inhaber, die Inhaber.
Der Inhaber des Cafés begrüßt die Gäste.
The owner of the café welcomes the guests.
das Café is a café, and begrüßt means welcomes; die Gäste are the guests. Der Inhaber is nominative because he is the subject, while des Cafés is genitive and means of the café; the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Ich kenne den Inhaber dieses Ladens.
I know the owner of this shop.
kenne means know, and dieser Laden means this shop. Den Inhaber is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the finite verb kenne is in position two.
Wir danken dem Inhaber für seine Hilfe.
We thank the owner for his help.
danken means thank, and für seine Hilfe means for his help. Dem Inhaber is dative because danken requires the dative; für takes the accusative in seine Hilfe.
Die Entscheidung des Inhabers war fair.
The owner's decision was fair.
die Entscheidung is the decision, and fair means fair. Des Inhabers is genitive and shows whose decision it was; war is the finite verb in position two.
Die Inhaber kleiner Firmen treffen sich heute.
The owners of small companies are meeting today.
kleine Firmen means small companies, and treffen sich means meet each other. Die Inhaber is plural nominative because it is the subject; sich treffen is a reflexive expression, and heute means today.
die Inhaberin — female owner, female holder
Inhaberin is the feminine form of Inhaber, meaning a woman who owns or officially holds something. Its plural is Inhaberinnen, formed with -innen.
Die Inhaberin der Praxis ist sehr freundlich.
The owner of the practice is very friendly.
die Praxis is the practice or clinic, and freundlich means friendly. Die Inhaberin is nominative because she is the subject; der Praxis is genitive and means of the practice, while ist stands in position two.
Ich suche die Inhaberin des Geschäfts.
I am looking for the owner of the business.
suche means am looking for, and das Geschäft means the business or shop. Die Inhaberin is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir helfen der Inhaberin beim Umzug.
We help the owner with the move.
helfen means help, and der Umzug is the move to a new home or workplace. Der Inhaberin is dative because helfen requires the dative; beim is short for bei dem and also introduces the dative.
Die Telefonnummer der Inhaberin steht auf der Rechnung.
The owner's phone number is on the bill.
die Telefonnummer is the phone number, and die Rechnung is the bill or invoice. Der Inhaberin is genitive and shows possession; steht is the finite verb in position two, and auf der Rechnung describes its location.
Die Inhaberinnen beantworten alle Fragen.
The female owners answer all the questions.
beantworten means answer, and alle Fragen means all the questions. Die Inhaberinnen is plural nominative because it is the subject; alle Fragen is accusative because beantworten takes a direct object.
der Inspektor — inspector
The plural is Inspektoren, not Inspektors. The word can refer to an official inspector in many areas; the exact job depends on the context.
Der Inspektor prüft heute die Küche.
The inspector is checking the kitchen today.
prüft means checks or inspects, heute means today, and die Küche means the kitchen. Der Inspektor is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb prüft stands in position two.
Die Chefin ruft den Inspektor.
The boss calls the inspector.
die Chefin means the female boss, and ruft means calls. Den Inspektor is accusative because anrufen takes a direct object; the finite verb ruft is in position two.
Ich spreche mit dem Inspektor.
I speak with the inspector.
sprechen means speak or talk. Mit always takes the dative, so dem Inspektor is dative; the preposition comes before the noun phrase.
Das Büro des Inspektors ist im Erdgeschoss.
The inspector's office is on the ground floor.
das Büro means the office, and das Erdgeschoss means the ground floor. Des Inspektors is genitive because it shows possession, and the noun adds -s in this form.
Die Inspektoren kontrollieren mehrere Schulen.
The inspectors check several schools.
kontrollieren means inspect or check, and mehrere Schulen means several schools. Die Inspektoren is a plural subject, so the verb is plural: kontrollieren, not singular kontrolliert.
intern — internal, in-house
Intern usually describes something within an organisation and is normally not compared in everyday German. As a predicative adjective it has no ending, but before a noun it takes the normal adjective ending, as in interne Informationen.
Die Entscheidung bleibt intern.
The decision remains internal.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and bleibt means remains. Intern is a predicative adjective after bleiben, so it has no ending; the finite verb stands in position two.
Wir haben eine interne Besprechung.
We had an internal meeting.
eine Besprechung means a meeting. Interne stands before the feminine accusative noun Besprechung and therefore takes the ending -e after eine; haben takes the meeting as its accusative object.
Die neue Regelung ist nicht interner als die alte.
The new regulation is no more internal than the old one.
die Regelung means the regulation, neu means new, and alt means old. Interner is grammatically possible as a comparative, but this use is uncommon and usually sounds technical; after als, the comparison is completed by die alte.
Diese Information ist am internsten.
This information is the most internal.
diese Information means this information. Am internsten is a possible superlative form, but it is rare and mainly used in technical or organisational language; the adjective is predicative and therefore has no noun ending.