Appearance
Vocab: Work & office — B1 (5)
Work & office vocabulary at B1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Polizeibeamte — female police officer
This is a substantivized adjective used for a female police officer. In everyday German, Polizeibeamtin is often the more usual feminine form; Polizeibeamte follows adjective-like endings.
Die Polizeibeamte kontrolliert den Ausweis.
The female police officer checks the identity card.
kontrolliert means checks, and der Ausweis is an identity card. Die Polizeibeamte is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb kontrolliert is in position two.
Ich sehe die Polizeibeamte am Eingang.
I see the female police officer at the entrance.
sehen means to see, and der Eingang is the entrance. Die Polizeibeamte is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the feminine article stays die in both nominative and accusative.
Ich helfe der Polizeibeamten bei der Suche.
I help the female police officer with the search.
helfen means to help, bei means with, and die Suche is the search. Der Polizeibeamten is dative because helfen takes a dative object; the form ends in -en, which learners may mistake for a plural.
Das Auto der Polizeibeamten steht vor dem Haus.
The female police officer’s car is in front of the house.
das Auto is the car, stehen means to stand or be located, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Der Polizeibeamten is genitive because it shows possession; the finite verb steht remains in position two.
Die Polizeibeamten arbeiten heute zusammen.
The police officers work together today.
arbeiten means work, heute means today, and zusammen means together. Die Polizeibeamten is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending is -en.
der Praktikant — intern, trainee
This is a masculine weak noun: der Praktikant has -en in the accusative, dative and genitive singular, as well as in the plural. It is usually used for someone gaining work experience for a limited period.
Der Praktikant arbeitet in unserem Büro.
The intern works in our office.
arbeiten means to work, and unser Büro means our office. Der Praktikant is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich sehe den Praktikanten jeden Morgen.
I see the intern every morning.
sehen means to see, and jeden Morgen means every morning. Den Praktikanten is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; this weak masculine noun has -en outside the nominative.
Ich helfe dem Praktikanten bei der Aufgabe.
I help the intern with the task.
helfen means to help, die Aufgabe is the task, and bei means with or during. Dem Praktikanten is dative because helfen governs the dative, and bei der Aufgabe is also dative because bei always takes the dative.
Das Fahrrad des Praktikanten steht draußen.
The intern's bicycle is outside.
das Fahrrad means the bicycle and draußen means outside. Des Praktikanten is genitive because it shows whose bicycle it is; the weak-noun ending -en remains in this case.
Die Praktikanten lernen viel im Betrieb.
The interns learn a lot at the company.
lernen means to learn, viel means a lot, and der Betrieb is the company or workplace. Die Praktikanten is plural; im Betrieb means in dem Betrieb, with dative because in describes a location.
die Praktikantin — female intern, female trainee
Praktikantin is the feminine form of Praktikant. Its plural is formed with -innen, and unlike the masculine weak noun, the feminine noun does not add -n in its other singular cases.
Die Praktikantin arbeitet in der Werkstatt.
The female intern works in the workshop.
arbeiten means to work, and die Werkstatt is the workshop. Die Praktikantin is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Der Chef begrüßt die Praktikantin.
The boss greets the female intern.
der Chef means the boss and begrüßen means to greet. Die Praktikantin is accusative because it is the direct object of begrüßt; its form is identical to the nominative, so the article shows the case.
Ich gebe der Praktikantin den Schlüssel.
I give the female intern the key.
geben means to give and der Schlüssel is the key. Der Praktikantin is dative because it is the recipient, while den Schlüssel is accusative because it is the thing given.
Der Arbeitsplatz der Praktikantin ist neben dem Fenster.
The female intern's workstation is next to the window.
der Arbeitsplatz means the workstation, neben means next to, and das Fenster is the window. Der Praktikantin is genitive because it shows possession; dem Fenster is dative because neben describes location here.
Die Praktikantinnen machen heute eine Präsentation.
The female interns are giving a presentation today.
machen means to do or give, heute means today, and eine Präsentation is a presentation. Die Praktikantinnen is plural and nominative as the subject; eine Präsentation is accusative as the object.
das Praktikum — internship, work placement
A Praktikum is normally a temporary work placement for gaining experience, often during school, university or vocational training. Do not confuse it with a permanent job: it has a limited period and a learning purpose.
Das Praktikum beginnt im August.
The internship begins in August.
beginnen means to begin, and im August means in August. Das Praktikum is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Ich mache ein Praktikum bei einer Firma.
I am doing an internship at a company.
machen means to do, bei means at, and eine Firma is a company. The phrase ein Praktikum machen uses an accusative object, while bei einer Firma is dative because bei governs the dative.
Nach dem Praktikum habe ich viel gelernt.
After the internship, I learned a lot.
nach means after and viel gelernt means learned a lot. Dem Praktikum is dative because nach always governs the dative; in the perfect, habe is in position two and gelernt goes to the end.
Die Dauer des Praktikums beträgt drei Monate.
The duration of the internship is three months.
die Dauer means the duration and betragen means to amount to or be. Des Praktikums is genitive because it identifies what the duration belongs to; the noun takes -s in this case.
Viele Praktika finden im Sommer statt.
Many internships take place in summer.
viele means many, im Sommer means in summer, and stattfinden means to take place. Viele Praktika is plural and nominative as the subject; the separable verb appears as finden ... statt in the main clause.
die Praxis — medical practice; doctor's office; practice; practical application
In everyday German, die Praxis often means a doctor's office, not only the work of a doctor. Its plural is die Praxen, not die Praxisse.
Die Praxis öffnet um acht Uhr.
The practice opens at eight o'clock.
öffnet means opens, and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Die Praxis is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb öffnet stands in position two.
Ich suche eine Praxis in der Nähe.
I am looking for a practice nearby.
suche means am looking for, and in der Nähe means nearby. eine Praxis is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; in der Nähe is a dative location phrase.
Ich gehe morgen zu einer Praxis.
I am going to a practice tomorrow.
morgen means tomorrow, and gehen means to go. zu always takes the dative, so einer Praxis is dative; the finite verb gehe is in position two.
Die Tür der Praxis ist geschlossen.
The practice's door is closed.
die Tür means the door, and geschlossen means closed. der Praxis is genitive because it identifies whose door it is; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
In Berlin gibt es viele Praxen.
There are many practices in Berlin.
Berlin is a city, and viele means many. Praxen is plural after viele; in the fixed expression es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative, although the plural article is still die when used.
In der Praxis funktioniert der Plan gut.
In practice, the plan works well.
funktioniert means works, and der Plan means the plan; gut means well. In der Praxis is a dative phrase describing where or in what situation something works, and the finite verb funktioniert is in position two.
Die Theorie klingt gut, aber die Praxis ist schwieriger.
The theory sounds good, but practice is more difficult.
die Theorie means the theory, klingt means sounds, and schwieriger means more difficult. Die Praxis is nominative because it is the subject of the second clause; aber joins two main clauses, each with its finite verb in position two.
die Probezeit — probationary period
Die Probezeit is the trial period at the start of a job. It is usually six months in Germany, but its exact length and rules depend on the employment contract.
Die Probezeit dauert sechs Monate.
The probationary period lasts six months.
dauert means lasts, and sechs Monate means six months. Die Probezeit is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb dauert is in position two.
Ich habe die Probezeit erfolgreich beendet.
I successfully completed the probationary period.
erfolgreich means successfully, and beendet means completed. Die Probezeit is accusative because beenden takes a direct object; in the perfect, habe is in position two and beendet goes to the end.
Nach der Probezeit bekomme ich einen festen Vertrag.
After the probationary period, I get a permanent contract.
nach means after, and einen festen Vertrag is a permanent contract. Der Probezeit is dative because nach always takes the dative; the finite verb bekomme is in position two.
Das Ende der Probezeit steht im Vertrag.
The end of the probationary period is stated in the contract.
das Ende means the end, and steht im Vertrag means is stated in the contract. Der Probezeit is genitive because it specifies whose end is meant; steht is the finite verb in position two.
Viele Firmen haben sechsmonatige Probezeiten.
Many companies have six-month probationary periods.
viele Firmen means many companies, and sechsmonatige means six-month. Probezeiten is plural and accusative because haben takes it as its direct object.
die Produktion — production, manufacturing; production, show
Produktion can mean the process of manufacturing goods, and it can also refer to a film, theatre, or media production. The plural is Produktionen.
Die Produktion beginnt um sechs Uhr.
Production begins at six o'clock.
beginnt means begins, and um sechs Uhr means at six o'clock. Die Produktion is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Die Firma erhöht die Produktion.
The company is increasing production.
Die Firma means the company, and erhöht means increases. Die Produktion is accusative because erhöhen takes a direct object; the finite verb erhöht stands in position two.
Viele Menschen arbeiten in der Produktion.
Many people work in production.
Viele Menschen means many people, and arbeiten means work. In der Produktion is dative because in describes a fixed location here, not movement into it; the finite verb arbeiten is in position two.
Die Kosten der Produktion sind gestiegen.
The costs of production have risen.
Die Kosten means the costs, and sind gestiegen means have risen. Der Produktion is genitive because it identifies which costs are meant; the finite verb sind stands in position two and gestiegen goes to the end.
Die Produktionen des Jahres waren erfolgreich.
The productions of the year were successful.
des Jahres means of the year, and erfolgreich means successful. Die Produktionen is plural and is the subject; des Jahres is genitive and the finite verb waren stands in position two.
Die Produktion muss umweltfreundlicher werden.
Production must become more environmentally friendly.
muss means must, and umweltfreundlicher means more environmentally friendly. Die Produktion is nominative as the subject; with the modal verb muss, the infinitive werden goes to the end.
Die neue Produktion läuft im Kino.
The new production is showing at the cinema.
neu means new, läuft means is showing or running, and das Kino is the cinema. Die Produktion is nominative as the subject, while im Kino is a dative location after in.
Wir haben gestern zwei Produktionen gesehen.
Yesterday we saw two productions.
gestern means yesterday, zwei means two, and gesehen means seen. Zwei Produktionen is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; in the perfect, haben is in position two and gesehen goes to the end.
produzieren — to produce, to manufacture; to produce, to create
Produzieren is a weak verb with haben in the perfect and takes an accusative object. It is also used for producing energy, food, films, or other results, not only factory goods.
Die Fabrik produziert Fahrräder.
The factory produces bicycles.
Die Fabrik means the factory, and Fahrräder means bicycles. Fahrräder is accusative because produzieren takes a direct object; the finite verb produziert stands in position two.
Die Firma hat neue Geräte produziert.
The company has produced new devices.
Die Firma means the company, and neue Geräte means new devices. Neue Geräte is accusative as the object; hat stands in position two and the Partizip II produziert goes to the end.
Die Fabrik produzierte früher mehr Stahl.
The factory used to produce more steel.
früher means formerly or in the past, and mehr Stahl means more steel. Mehr Stahl is accusative because it is what the factory produced; the preterite verb produzierte stands in position two.
Produziere bitte weniger Plastik!
Please produce less plastic!
bitte means please, and weniger Plastik means less plastic. The imperative produziere addresses one person informally; the object weniger Plastik is accusative, and the subject du is left out.
Wenn die Anlage mehr produzieren könnte, wären die Preise niedriger.
If the plant could produce more, the prices would be lower.
Wenn means if, die Anlage means the plant or facility, and niedriger means lower. In the subordinate clause, the infinitive produzieren comes at the end after könnte; mehr is an object-like quantity without an article.
Die Firma wird nächstes Jahr mehr Energie produzieren.
The company will produce more energy next year.
nächstes Jahr means next year, and mehr Energie means more energy. Mehr Energie is accusative because it is what the company will produce; wird stands in position two and the infinitive produzieren goes to the end.
Sie produziert einen Podcast.
She produces a podcast.
Sie means she, and einen Podcast means a podcast. Einen Podcast is accusative because it is the direct object; the finite verb produziert is in position two.
Der Regisseur hat den Film selbst produziert.
The director produced the film himself.
Der Regisseur means the director, den Film means the film, and selbst means himself. Den Film is accusative as the object; hat is in position two and produziert goes to the end in the perfect.
professionell — professional, skilful
Professionell describes work or behaviour that meets professional standards, or a person who works as a professional. It normally compares regularly: professioneller, am professionellsten.
Die Arbeit ist professionell.
The work is professional.
Die Arbeit means the work. Professionell is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie hat einen professionellen Auftritt vorbereitet.
She prepared a professional performance.
Sie means she, einen Auftritt means a performance or appearance, and vorbereitet means prepared. Professionellen comes before the masculine accusative noun Auftritt and takes -en after einen; the perfect participle goes to the end.
Seine Präsentation wirkt professioneller als meine.
His presentation seems more professional than mine.
Seine Präsentation means his presentation, and wirkt means seems or appears. Professioneller is predicative after wirken and has no ending; als meine means than mine.
Das war der professionellste Vortrag des Tages.
That was the most professional talk of the day.
der Vortrag means the talk or presentation, and des Tages means of the day. Professionellste comes before the masculine nominative noun Vortrag after der, while des Tages is genitive.
die Professorin — female professor
The feminine form is made with -in; its plural is Professorinnen. In job titles, use Professorin for a woman and Professor for a man.
Die Professorin hält heute eine Vorlesung.
The female professor is giving a lecture today.
hält eine Vorlesung means is giving a lecture, and heute means today. Die Professorin is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb hält is in position two.
Die Studierenden fragen die Professorin nach ihrer Meinung.
The students ask the female professor for her opinion.
die Studierenden are the students, and nach ihrer Meinung means for her opinion. Die Professorin is accusative because fragen takes the person being asked as its direct object; the finite verb fragen stands in position two.
Die Studierenden sprechen mit der Professorin über das Experiment.
The students speak with the female professor about the experiment.
mit ... sprechen means to speak with someone, and das Experiment is the experiment. The preposition mit forces the dative, so der Professorin is dative; the finite verb sprechen is in position two.
Die Meinung der Professorin ist sehr gefragt.
The female professor's opinion is highly valued.
die Meinung is the opinion, and sehr gefragt means highly sought after or valued. Der Professorin is genitive because it shows whose opinion it is; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
An der Universität arbeiten viele Professorinnen.
Many female professors work at the university.
an der Universität means at the university, and viele means many. Professorinnen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the verb arbeiten follows the first phrase and stands in position two.
der Profisportler — professional athlete
This compound combines Profi (professional) and Sportler (athlete). The plural is Profisportler, with no ending on the noun itself; only the article or another determiner shows the number clearly.
Der Profisportler trainiert zweimal am Tag.
The professional athlete trains twice a day.
trainiert means trains, and zweimal am Tag means twice a day. Der Profisportler is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb trainiert stands in position two.
Der Verein unterstützt den Profisportler.
The club supports the professional athlete.
der Verein is the club, and unterstützt means supports. Den Profisportler is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the finite verb unterstützt is in position two.
Die Ärztin hilft dem Profisportler nach der Verletzung.
The doctor helps the professional athlete after the injury.
die Ärztin is the female doctor, and die Verletzung is the injury. Dem Profisportler is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; the finite verb hilft stands in position two.
Die Karriere des Profisportlers begann sehr früh.
The professional athlete's career began very early.
die Karriere is the career, and begann sehr früh means began very early. Des Profisportlers is genitive because it shows whose career it is; the finite verb begann is in position two.
Die Profisportler reisen zu vielen Wettkämpfen.
The professional athletes travel to many competitions.
reisen means travel, and Wettkämpfe are competitions. Die Profisportler is plural and nominative because it is the subject; zu vielen Wettkämpfen is a dative phrase after zu.
die Profisportlerin — female professional athlete
The feminine form is built from Profisportler with the ending -in. Its plural is Profisportlerinnen, not Profisportlerins.
Die Profisportlerin gewinnt das Rennen.
The female professional athlete wins the race.
gewinnt means wins, and das Rennen is the race. Die Profisportlerin is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb gewinnt stands in position two.
Die Zeitung porträtiert die Profisportlerin.
The newspaper portrays the female professional athlete.
die Zeitung is the newspaper, and porträtiert means portrays or profiles. Die Profisportlerin is accusative because porträtieren takes a direct object; the finite verb porträtiert is in position two.
Der Trainer gibt der Profisportlerin einen neuen Trainingsplan.
The coach gives the female professional athlete a new training plan.
der Trainer is the coach, and ein Trainingsplan is a training plan. Der Profisportlerin is dative because she receives something, while einen neuen Trainingsplan is accusative; the finite verb gibt stands in position two.
Die Leistung der Profisportlerin beeindruckt alle.
The female professional athlete's performance impresses everyone.
die Leistung is the performance, and beeindruckt alle means impresses everyone. Der Profisportlerin is genitive because it shows whose performance it is; the finite verb beeindruckt stands in position two.
Die Profisportlerinnen trainieren gemeinsam.
The female professional athletes train together.
gemeinsam means together. Die Profisportlerinnen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb trainieren stands in position two.
der Projektor — projector
Der Projektor usually means a video or data projector used with a screen. A cinema projector can also be called der Filmprojektor.
Der Projektor steht im Konferenzraum.
The projector is in the conference room.
steht means is standing or is located, and der Konferenzraum means the conference room. Der Projektor is nominative because it is the subject; im means in dem and marks location with the dative.
Die Technikerin repariert den Projektor.
The technician repairs the projector.
die Technikerin means the female technician, and repariert means repairs. Den Projektor is accusative because reparieren takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Wir helfen dem Projektor nicht, sondern der Technikerin.
We do not help the projector, but the technician.
wir helfen means we help, nicht means not, sondern means but rather, and die Technikerin means the female technician. Dem Projektor is dative because helfen requires a dative object; the sentence humorously contrasts the device with the person.
Die Lampe des Projektors ist kaputt.
The projector's lamp is broken.
die Lampe means the lamp, and kaputt means broken. Des Projektors is genitive and means of the projector; the noun adds -s, and ist stands in position two.
Die Projektoren sind bereits eingeschaltet.
The projectors are already switched on.
bereits means already, and eingeschaltet means switched on. Die Projektoren is a plural subject, so the finite verb is sind; eingeschaltet is used here as a participle adjective.
protokollieren — to record, to take minutes
Protokollieren is a formal verb often used for meetings, decisions, events, or data. Like other verbs ending in -ieren, it forms the participle protokolliert, not geprotokolliert.
Die Sekretärin protokolliert die Sitzung.
The secretary is taking minutes of the meeting.
die Sekretärin is the secretary and die Sitzung is the meeting. Die Sitzung is accusative because protokollieren takes a direct object; the finite verb protokolliert stands in position two.
Die Sekretärin hat die Sitzung protokolliert.
The secretary recorded the meeting.
die Sekretärin means the secretary and die Sitzung means the meeting. The perfect uses hat because protokollieren takes haben, and the participle protokolliert goes at the end.
Er protokollierte jedes Wort.
He recorded every word.
jedes Wort means every word. Jedes Wort is accusative as the object, and the weak-verb past form protokollierte stands in position two.
Protokolliere bitte die wichtigsten Punkte.
Please record the most important points.
bitte means please, and die wichtigsten Punkte means the most important points. This is the informal singular imperative, so du is omitted; the object is accusative after protokollieren.
Ich würde den ganzen Ablauf protokollieren.
I would document the entire procedure.
der ganze Ablauf means the entire procedure or sequence of events. Würde protokollieren expresses a hypothetical action; the infinitive protokollieren goes to the end, and den ganzen Ablauf is accusative.
Wir werden alle Änderungen protokollieren.
We will record all changes.
alle Änderungen means all changes. Future tense uses werden plus the infinitive protokollieren at the end; the object is accusative.
der Prozess — trial, lawsuit; process; process, procedure
In legal language, der Prozess is a trial or court case. In general language, it is a process or series of steps; context normally makes the meaning clear.
Der Prozess beginnt morgen.
The trial begins tomorrow.
beginnt means begins, and morgen means tomorrow. Der Prozess is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Der Richter eröffnet den Prozess.
The judge opens the trial.
der Richter is the judge, and eröffnet means opens or starts officially. Den Prozess is accusative because eröffnen takes a direct object.
Die Angeklagte vertraut dem Prozess.
The accused woman trusts the trial process.
die Angeklagte is the accused woman, and vertraut means trusts. Dem Prozess is dative because vertrauen governs the dative; this is a useful contrast with English, which uses a direct object.
Das Ende des Prozesses ist noch offen.
The end of the trial is still undecided.
das Ende means the end, and noch offen means still undecided. Des Prozesses is genitive because it means of the trial; the masculine noun adds -es in this form.
In den letzten Jahren gab es mehrere Prozesse.
There have been several trials in recent years.
in den letzten Jahren means in recent years, and mehrere means several. Prozesse is the plural of Prozess; after es gab, the plural noun is the accusative object, though its form matches the nominative plural.
Der Prozess dauert mehrere Monate.
The process takes several months.
dauert means takes or lasts, and mehrere Monate means several months. Der Prozess is the nominative subject, while mehrere Monate is an accusative duration expression.
Dieser Prozess braucht viel Energie.
This process needs a lot of energy.
dieser means this, braucht means needs, and viel Energie means a lot of energy. Dieser Prozess is nominative as the subject, and viel Energie is accusative as the object of brauchen.
der Pöstler — postal worker (especially Swiss)
Pöstler is a regional word, especially associated with Switzerland, for a postal worker; the more widely understood term is Briefträger or Postbote. It is masculine and has the unchanged plural die Pöstler.
Der Pöstler kommt jeden Morgen.
The postal worker comes every morning.
kommt means comes, and jeden Morgen means every morning. Der Pöstler is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb kommt is in position two.
Ich sehe den Pöstler vor dem Haus.
I see the postal worker in front of the house.
sehe means see, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Den Pöstler is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; vor dem Haus is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Ich danke dem Pöstler für die schnelle Lieferung.
I thank the postal worker for the quick delivery.
danke means thank, schnell means quick, and die Lieferung means the delivery. Dem Pöstler is dative because danken always takes a dative person; für takes the accusative die schnelle Lieferung.
Das Fahrrad des Pöstlers steht draußen.
The postal worker's bicycle is outside.
das Fahrrad means the bicycle, steht means is standing, and draußen means outside. Des Pöstlers is genitive and expresses possession; the masculine article changes to des, and the noun adds -s.
Die Pöstler verteilen die Briefe.
The postal workers distribute the letters.
verteilen means distribute, and die Briefe means the letters. Pöstler is plural without a changed ending; die Briefe is accusative because it is the object of verteilen.
die Qualifikation — qualification, credential; qualifying round, qualification
A Qualifikation may be a formal certificate or a skill that makes someone suitable for work. It is common in professional and educational contexts.
Die Qualifikation ist für die Stelle wichtig.
The qualification is important for the position.
die Stelle means the job position, and wichtig means important. Die Qualifikation is nominative because it is the subject; für die Stelle is accusative after für, and ist is in position two.
Der Arbeitgeber prüft meine Qualifikation.
The employer checks my qualification.
der Arbeitgeber means the employer, and prüfen means to check. Meine Qualifikation is accusative because it is the object of prüft, whose finite form is in position two.
Mit dieser Qualifikation finde ich leichter Arbeit.
With this qualification, I can find work more easily.
mit means with, finden means to find, and leichter means more easily. Dieser Qualifikation is dative because mit always takes the dative; finde is in position two.
Der Wert der Qualifikation hängt vom Beruf ab.
The value of the qualification depends on the profession.
der Wert means the value, abhängen means to depend, and der Beruf means profession. Der Qualifikation is genitive because it identifies whose value is meant; hängt ... ab is separable, so ab goes to the end.
Viele Qualifikationen sind heute digital.
Many qualifications are digital today.
viele means many, heute means today, and digital means digital. Viele Qualifikationen is plural nominative as the subject, and sind is in position two.
Die Mannschaft spielt in der Qualifikation für die Europameisterschaft.
The team is playing in the qualifying competition for the European Championship.
die Mannschaft means the team, spielen means to play, and die Europameisterschaft means the European Championship. In der Qualifikation is dative because in describes a location; spielt is in position two.
Deutschland hat die Qualifikation geschafft.
Germany has made it through the qualifying round.
Deutschland means Germany, and schaffen means to manage or complete successfully. Die Qualifikation is accusative as the object of geschafft; the perfect uses hat and puts geschafft at the end.
die Recherche — research; investigation
die Recherche often means fact-finding for journalism or a serious report, rather than academic research in general. It is a feminine noun with the regular plural die Recherchen.
Die Recherche dauert mehrere Wochen.
The research takes several weeks.
dauert means takes or lasts, and mehrere Wochen means several weeks. Die Recherche is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb dauert is in position two.
Die Journalistin plant die Recherche sorgfältig.
The journalist plans the research carefully.
die Journalistin means the female journalist, plant means plans, and sorgfältig means carefully. die Recherche is accusative because planen takes an accusative object; the finite verb plant is in position two.
Der Redakteur hilft bei der Recherche.
The editor helps with the research.
der Redakteur means the editor, and hilft means helps. bei der Recherche means with or during the research; bei always takes the dative, so der Recherche is dative.
Die Ergebnisse der Recherche sind überzeugend.
The results of the research are convincing.
die Ergebnisse means the results, and überzeugend means convincing. der Recherche is genitive because it identifies which results; the finite verb sind is in position two.
Für den Artikel waren mehrere Recherchen nötig.
Several research investigations were necessary for the article.
für den Artikel means for the article, and nötig means necessary. Recherchen is plural and nominative because it is the subject of waren; den Artikel is accusative after für.
die Redaktion — editorial department, newsroom; editorial team
Redaktion can mean the department in a media organisation or the team of editors working there. It can also refer to the editorial office as a place or institution.
Die Redaktion plant die nächste Ausgabe.
The editorial department is planning the next issue.
plant means plans, and die nächste Ausgabe is the next issue. Die Redaktion is nominative because it is the subject, while die nächste Ausgabe is accusative because planen takes a direct object.
Ich lese die Redaktion?
I read the editorial department?
This sentence is not natural German for the intended meaning: lesen means read and normally takes a text, not a department. Use Ich lese den Artikel der Redaktion for “I read the editorial department’s article”; die Redaktion is accusative only with verbs such as informieren.
Ich schreibe der Redaktion eine E-Mail.
I am writing the editorial department an email.
schreiben means write, and eine E-Mail is an email. Der Redaktion is dative because it is the recipient, while eine E-Mail is accusative as the thing being written.
Die Entscheidung der Redaktion war wichtig.
The editorial department’s decision was important.
die Entscheidung is the decision, and wichtig means important. Der Redaktion is genitive because it shows whose decision it was.
Mehrere Redaktionen berichten über den Skandal.
Several editorial departments are reporting on the scandal.
mehrere means several, berichten means report, and der Skandal is the scandal. Redaktionen is plural; über den Skandal is accusative because über has this meaning with the accusative.
der Sachbearbeiter — caseworker, administrative officer
A Sachbearbeiter is responsible for handling a particular administrative matter, such as an application or insurance case. The feminine form is Sachbearbeiterin, and the plural Sachbearbeiter has no ending.
Der Sachbearbeiter prüft den Antrag.
The caseworker is checking the application.
prüft means checks, and der Antrag is the application. Der Sachbearbeiter is the nominative subject, while den Antrag is accusative because prüfen takes an accusative object.
Ich rufe den Sachbearbeiter an.
I am calling the caseworker.
rufe ... an means call, and Ich means I. den Sachbearbeiter is accusative because anrufen takes an accusative object; the separable verb splits, with rufe in position two and an at the end.
Ich spreche mit dem Sachbearbeiter.
I am speaking with the caseworker.
spreche means speak, and mit means with. dem Sachbearbeiter is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb spreche stands in position two.
Die E-Mail des Sachbearbeiters liegt im Ordner.
The caseworker's email is in the folder.
die E-Mail is the email, liegt means lies or is located, and der Ordner is the folder. des Sachbearbeiters is genitive and shows whose email it is; im is short for in dem, and in takes the dative for a fixed location.
Die Sachbearbeiter beantworten viele Fragen.
The caseworkers answer many questions.
beantworten means answer and viele Fragen means many questions. Sachbearbeiter is plural with no ending, and it is the nominative subject; the finite verb beantworten stands in position two.
der Schichtdienst — shift work, shift system
Der Schichtdienst is a general work schedule, not just one shift. It is common with im in im Schichtdienst arbeiten, meaning “to work shifts.”
Der Schichtdienst beginnt heute um sechs Uhr.
The shift work starts at six o’clock today.
beginnt means “starts,” heute means “today,” and um sechs Uhr means “at six o’clock.” Der Schichtdienst is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Viele Firmen planen den Schichtdienst für den ganzen Monat.
Many companies plan the shift schedule for the whole month.
viele Firmen means “many companies,” planen means “plan,” and für den ganzen Monat means “for the whole month.” Den Schichtdienst is accusative because it is the object of planen; für also always takes the accusative.
Die Kollegin hilft mir bei dem Schichtdienst.
My colleague helps me with the shift work.
die Kollegin is “the female colleague,” hilft means “helps,” and mir means “me.” Bei dem Schichtdienst is dative because bei requires the dative; dem is often shortened to beim.
Die Regeln des Schichtdienstes sind kompliziert.
The rules of the shift system are complicated.
die Regeln means “the rules,” and kompliziert means “complicated.” Des Schichtdienstes is genitive and shows whose rules they are; the masculine noun adds -es in the singular genitive.
In unserem Krankenhaus gibt es drei Schichtdienste.
There are three shift schedules in our hospital.
unser Krankenhaus means “our hospital,” gibt es means “there is/are,” and drei means “three.” Drei Schichtdienste is plural; after es gibt, the thing that exists is in the accusative, although the plural form looks the same as the nominative.
der Schneider — tailor
Der Schneider is a tailor, while die Schneiderin is a female tailor. Its plural is unchanged in spelling: der Schneider, die Schneider; the genitive singular is des Schneiders.
Der Schneider arbeitet in einem kleinen Geschäft.
The tailor works in a small shop.
arbeitet means works, klein means small, and das Geschäft means shop. Der Schneider is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich besuche den Schneider morgen.
I am visiting the tailor tomorrow.
besuche means visit and morgen means tomorrow. Den Schneider is accusative because it is the direct object of besuchen; the finite verb besuche is in position two.
Ich erzähle dem Schneider von dem Problem.
I tell the tailor about the problem.
erzähle means tell, von means about, and das Problem means problem. Dem Schneider is dative because erzählen gives the information to someone; von also forces dative in dem Problem.
Die Arbeit des Schneiders ist sehr präzise.
The tailor's work is very precise.
die Arbeit means the work and präzise means precise. Des Schneiders is genitive because it shows whose work it is; the masculine noun takes -s in the genitive.
Die Schneider arbeiten heute bis spät.
The tailors are working until late today.
arbeiten means work, heute means today, and bis spät means until late. Die Schneider is plural even though Schneider looks like the singular; arbeiten also shows the plural subject.
die Schneiderin — female tailor, dressmaker
Die Schneiderin is the feminine form of der Schneider, tailor. Its plural is die Schneiderinnen, formed with -innen; in the genitive singular, only the article changes: der Schneiderin.
Die Schneiderin näht ein Kleid.
The female tailor is sewing a dress.
näht means sews and das Kleid means dress. Die Schneiderin is nominative because it is the subject, while ein Kleid is accusative because it is the object of näht.
Wir suchen die Schneiderin.
We are looking for the female tailor.
wir means we and suchen means look for. Die Schneiderin is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, nominative and accusative both use die.
Ich gebe der Schneiderin den Stoff.
I give the fabric to the female tailor.
gebe means give, der Stoff means the fabric, and den Stoff is the fabric as the thing given. Der Schneiderin is dative because she receives it, while den Stoff is accusative.
Das Atelier der Schneiderin ist neben dem Bahnhof.
The female tailor's studio is next to the station.
das Atelier means studio, neben means next to, and der Bahnhof means station. Der Schneiderin is genitive because it shows possession; dem Bahnhof is dative because neben expresses a location here.
Die Schneiderinnen arbeiten zusammen.
The female tailors work together.
arbeiten means work and zusammen means together. Schneiderinnen is the plural of Schneiderin, formed by changing -in to -innen; the finite verb arbeiten agrees with the plural subject.
der Schriftsteller — writer, author; literary writer, author
This word normally refers to a man who writes books; the feminine form is die Schriftstellerin. It can describe both a professional author and someone who writes literary works.
Der Schriftsteller lebt in Berlin.
The writer lives in Berlin.
lebt means lives, and in Berlin means in Berlin. Der Schriftsteller is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb lebt stands in position two.
Ich lese den Schriftsteller sehr gern.
I really enjoy reading the writer's work.
lese means read, and sehr gern means with great enjoyment. Den Schriftsteller is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the feminine and masculine articles must not be confused.
Ich spreche mit dem Schriftsteller über seinen neuen Roman.
I am speaking with the writer about his new novel.
spreche means speak, mit means with, and seinen neuen Roman means his new novel. Dem Schriftsteller is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb spreche is in position two.
Der Titel des Schriftstellers steht auf dem Buch.
The writer's title is on the book.
Der Titel means the title and auf dem Buch means on the book. Des Schriftstellers is genitive to show possession, and the masculine noun adds -s.
Viele Schriftsteller arbeiten allein.
Many writers work alone.
Viele means many and allein means alone. Schriftsteller is plural and nominative as the subject; its form is unchanged from the singular.
Der berühmte Schriftsteller erhielt einen Literaturpreis.
The famous author received a literary prize.
berühmte means famous, erhielt means received, and einen Literaturpreis means a literary prize. Der Schriftsteller is nominative as the subject, while einen Literaturpreis is accusative as the object.
Über diesen Schriftsteller gibt es viele gute Bücher.
There are many good books about this author.
Über diesen Schriftsteller means about this author, and viele gute Bücher means many good books. Über takes the accusative here, so diesen Schriftsteller is accusative; gibt stands in position two in es gibt.
die Schriftstellerin — female writer, female author
The ending -in marks a female person. Its plural is Schriftstellerinnen, with doubled n before the plural ending.
Die Schriftstellerin arbeitet an ihrem neuen Roman.
The writer is working on her new novel.
arbeitet means is working, an means on, and ihrem neuen Roman means her new novel. Die Schriftstellerin is nominative as the subject; an takes the dative here because it describes work on something.
Ich lese die Schriftstellerin gern.
I enjoy reading this writer's work.
lese means read and gern means gladly or with enjoyment. Die Schriftstellerin is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the feminine article is die in both nominative and accusative.
Ich danke der Schriftstellerin für das Buch.
I thank the writer for the book.
danke means thank, für means for, and das Buch means the book. Der Schriftstellerin is dative because danken requires a dative person; für das Buch is accusative.
Der Stil der Schriftstellerin ist sehr klar.
The writer's style is very clear.
Der Stil means the style and sehr klar means very clear. Der Schriftstellerin is genitive to show possession; the feminine genitive article is der.
Viele Schriftstellerinnen schreiben über ihre Erfahrungen.
Many women writers write about their experiences.
Viele means many, schreiben means write, and ihre Erfahrungen means their experiences. Schriftstellerinnen is plural and nominative as the subject; the plural ending is -innen.
die Schutzausrüstung — protective equipment
Die Schutzausrüstung may include items such as a helmet, gloves, safety glasses or protective clothing. It is often used as a mass-like collective noun in everyday situations, although the plural Schutzausrüstungen is possible when different sets or types are meant.
Die Schutzausrüstung schützt die Arbeiter vor Verletzungen.
The protective equipment protects the workers from injuries.
Schützt means protects, die Arbeiter are the workers, and Verletzungen are injuries. Die Schutzausrüstung is nominative because it is the subject, die Arbeiter is accusative as the people protected, and vor takes the dative in vor Verletzungen.
Jeder Besucher muss die Schutzausrüstung anziehen.
Every visitor must put on the protective equipment.
Jeder Besucher means every visitor, muss means must, and anziehen means put on. Die Schutzausrüstung is accusative because anziehen takes an accusative object; with muss, the infinitive anziehen goes to the end.
Der Betrieb gibt den Mitarbeitern neue Schutzausrüstung.
The company gives the employees new protective equipment.
Der Betrieb is the company or workplace, gibt means gives, den Mitarbeitern means to the employees, and neue means new. Den Mitarbeitern is dative because they receive the equipment, while neue Schutzausrüstung is accusative as the thing given; gibt stands in position two.
Die Qualität der Schutzausrüstung ist besonders wichtig.
The quality of the protective equipment is especially important.
Die Qualität is the quality, besonders means especially, and wichtig means important. Der Schutzausrüstung is genitive because it identifies whose quality is meant; ist is in position two.
Auf Baustellen sind verschiedene Schutzausrüstungen vorgeschrieben.
Different types of protective equipment are required on construction sites.
Auf Baustellen means on construction sites, verschiedene means different, and vorgeschrieben means required or prescribed. Schutzausrüstungen is the plural subject; auf Baustellen is dative because it describes location, and sind vorgeschrieben is a passive-style predicate meaning are required.
der Schäfer — shepherd
The plural is die Schäfer, with no ending change. Do not confuse this noun with der Schüler, which means school pupil.
Der Schäfer führt seine Herde auf die Weide.
The shepherd leads his flock to the pasture.
die Herde means flock and die Weide means pasture. Der Schäfer is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb führt stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Schäfer am Feldrand.
I see the shepherd at the edge of the field.
sehen means to see and der Feldrand is the edge of the field. Den Schäfer is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; am Feldrand is a shortened form of an dem Feldrand and is dative for location.
Wir helfen dem Schäfer beim Einfangen der Schafe.
We help the shepherd catch the sheep.
helfen means to help, beim Einfangen means while catching, and die Schafe are sheep. Dem Schäfer is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; der Schafe is genitive after the noun Einfangen.
Das Auto des Schäfers steht vor dem Stall.
The shepherd’s car is standing in front of the barn.
das Auto means car, der Stall means barn, and vor means in front of. Des Schäfers is genitive to show possession, while dem Stall is dative because vor describes a fixed location.
Viele Schäfer verkaufen ihre Wolle auf dem Markt.
Many shepherds sell their wool at the market.
viele means many, ihre Wolle means their wool, and der Markt means market. Viele Schäfer is plural nominative because it is the subject; auf dem Markt is dative because it describes location.
das Sekretariat — secretariat, administrative office
das Sekretariat usually means the administrative office or department in a school, company, or organisation. Its plural is die Sekretariate.
Das Sekretariat ist heute geschlossen.
The secretariat is closed today.
heute means today and geschlossen means closed. Das Sekretariat is nominative because it is the subject, and ist stands in position two.
Ich rufe das Sekretariat an.
I am calling the secretariat.
rufe ... an means call, and heute would mean today if added. das Sekretariat is accusative as the direct object, while the separable verb places rufe in position two and an at the end.
Ich gebe dem Sekretariat die Formulare.
I give the forms to the secretariat.
gebe means give and Formulare means forms. dem Sekretariat is dative for the recipient, while die Formulare is accusative as the thing given.
Die Tür des Sekretariats ist offen.
The door of the secretariat is open.
Tür means door and offen means open. des Sekretariats is genitive because it shows which office the door belongs to; ist is in position two.
Die Sekretariate arbeiten bis fünf Uhr.
The secretariats work until five o'clock.
arbeiten means work and bis fünf Uhr means until five o'clock. Sekretariate is the plural subject, so the verb is plural: arbeiten, not singular arbeitet.
der Sekretär — male secretary
der Sekretär refers specifically to a male secretary. The feminine form is die Sekretärin, and the plural die Sekretäre can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Sekretär organisiert die Termine.
The secretary organises the appointments.
organisiert means organises and Termine means appointments. Der Sekretär is nominative as the subject, and organisiert stands in position two.
Ich rufe den Sekretär an.
I am calling the secretary.
rufe ... an means call. den Sekretär is accusative as the direct object; the separable parts are rufe in position two and an at the end.
Ich gebe dem Sekretär die Unterlagen.
I give the documents to the secretary.
gebe means give and Unterlagen means documents or papers. dem Sekretär is dative for the recipient, while die Unterlagen is accusative as the thing given.
Das Büro des Sekretärs ist im Erdgeschoss.
The secretary's office is on the ground floor.
Büro means office and Erdgeschoss means ground floor. des Sekretärs is genitive because it shows possession; unlike a weak noun, Sekretär takes -s, not -n, here.
Die Sekretäre treffen sich am Montag.
The secretaries meet on Monday.
treffen sich means meet each other and Montag means Monday. Sekretäre is the plural subject, and the umlaut plus -e are part of its plural form.
selbstständig — independent; self-employed; self-employed; independent
Selbstständig can describe a person who acts independently or someone who works for themselves. The spelling selbständig is also accepted, but selbstständig is very common.
Meine Tochter ist schon sehr selbstständig.
My daughter is already very independent.
meine Tochter means my daughter, schon means already, and sehr means very. Selbstständig is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie erledigt ihre Aufgaben selbstständig.
She completes her tasks independently.
erledigt means completes, and ihre Aufgaben means her tasks. Here selbstständig is an adverb describing how she works, not an adjective before a noun; ihre Aufgaben is accusative because erledigen takes a direct object.
Heute arbeitet er selbstständiger als früher.
Today he works more independently than before.
heute means today, arbeitet means works, and früher means before or in the past. Selbstständiger is a predicative adverbial comparative and has no ending; als introduces the comparison.
Von allen Kindern spielt Lina am selbstständigsten.
Of all the children, Lina plays most independently.
von allen Kindern means of all the children, and spielt means plays. Am selbstständigsten is the predicative am ...-sten superlative and has no adjective ending; von takes the dative, shown by allen Kindern.
Nach dem Studium hat er sich selbstständig gemacht.
After university, he became self-employed.
nach dem Studium means after university, and sich selbstständig machen means become self-employed. The reflexive pronoun sich is accusative because sich selbstständig machen uses an accusative reflexive object; the perfect auxiliary hat is in position two and gemacht goes to the end.
Sie führt ein selbstständiges Geschäft.
She runs an independent business.
führt means runs or manages, and ein Geschäft means a business. Selbstständiges has the neuter accusative ending -es after ein; ein selbstständiges Geschäft is the accusative object of führt.
der Selbstständige — self-employed man; independent man
This is a noun made from the adjective selbstständig, so it is capitalised. It is a weak masculine noun: use -en in the accusative, dative, genitive and plural, but -e in the nominative singular.
Der Selbstständige arbeitet von zu Hause aus.
The self-employed man works from home.
arbeitet means works, and von zu Hause aus means from home. Der Selbstständige is nominative as the subject; because it is a noun made from an adjective, it takes -e in the masculine nominative singular.
Ich kenne den Selbstständigen gut.
I know the self-employed man well.
kenne means know, and gut means well. Den Selbstständigen is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; this weak masculine noun changes from -e to -en.
Ich helfe dem Selbstständigen bei der Buchhaltung.
I help the self-employed man with the bookkeeping.
helfe means help, and die Buchhaltung means bookkeeping or accounts. Dem Selbstständigen is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; the noun has the ending -en.
Das Büro des Selbstständigen liegt im Zentrum.
The self-employed man’s office is in the city centre.
das Büro means office, liegt means is located, and im Zentrum means in the city centre. Des Selbstständigen is genitive to show possession; the article des and the noun ending -en mark this form.
Viele Selbstständige arbeiten auch am Wochenende.
Many self-employed people also work at the weekend.
viele means many, auch means also, and am Wochenende means at the weekend. Selbstständige is plural after viele; adjective-based nouns use the plural form -e here, while other cases usually show -en.
die Selbstständige — self-employed woman; independent woman
This is the feminine noun formed from selbstständig, so it is capitalised. Its plural is also Selbstständige, but in oblique plural cases the form is Selbstständigen.
Die Selbstständige berät ihre Kunden online.
The self-employed woman advises her customers online.
berät means advises, ihre Kunden means her customers, and online means online. Die Selbstständige is nominative as the subject; the feminine nominative singular keeps the adjective ending -e.
Ich treffe die Selbstständige morgen.
I am meeting the self-employed woman tomorrow.
treffe means meet, and morgen means tomorrow. Die Selbstständige is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine article and noun look the same in the nominative and accusative.
Ich vertraue der Selbstständigen.
I trust the self-employed woman.
vertraue means trust, and it is a verb that takes a dative person. Der Selbstständigen is dative because vertrauen requires dative; the article der and ending -en show the case.
Das Angebot der Selbstständigen ist sehr gut.
The self-employed woman’s offer is very good.
das Angebot means the offer, and sehr gut means very good. Der Selbstständigen is genitive to show possession; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Viele Selbstständige treffen sich regelmäßig.
Many self-employed people meet regularly.
viele means many, treffen sich means meet one another, and regelmäßig means regularly. Selbstständige is plural after viele; the plural form has no visible difference from the feminine singular, so viele makes the meaning clear.
selbständig — independent, self-employed
The spelling selbständig is standard, especially in Switzerland; selbstständig is also common in Germany and has the same meaning. The word can describe personal independence or professional self-employment, depending on context.
Meine Tochter ist schon sehr selbständig.
My daughter is already very independent.
Meine Tochter means my daughter, schon means already, and sehr means very. Selbständig is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; meine Tochter is nominative because it is the subject.
Er führt ein selbständiges Leben.
He leads an independent life.
führt means leads, ein Leben means a life, and führt ... ein is the separable verb meaning leads or conducts. Selbständiges describes Leben and has the neuter accusative ending -es after ein; the finite verb führt is in position two and ein closes the main clause.
Sie arbeitet heute selbständiger als früher.
Today she works more independently than before.
arbeitet means works, heute means today, and früher means before or in the past. Selbständiger compares her present way of working with the past; als introduces the comparison, and the finite verb arbeitet remains in position two.
Von allen Praktikanten arbeitet Tom am selbständigsten.
Tom works most independently of all the interns.
von allen Praktikanten means of all the interns, and arbeitet means works. Von takes the dative, so allen Praktikanten is dative plural; am selbständigsten is the predicative superlative and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
die Servicekraft — service worker; waiter or waitress
Servicekraft is a gender-neutral job title and can refer to a waiter, waitress or another person serving customers. In a restaurant, it is often more neutral and professional than specifying Kellner or Kellnerin.
Die Servicekraft bringt die Speisekarte.
The server brings the menu.
bringt means brings, and die Speisekarte means the menu. Die Servicekraft is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb bringt is in position two.
Ich rufe die Servicekraft.
I call the server.
rufe means call. Die Servicekraft is accusative because rufen takes a direct object, but the feminine article stays die in the accusative.
Ich gebe der Servicekraft ein Trinkgeld.
I give the server a tip.
gebe means give, and ein Trinkgeld means a tip. Der Servicekraft is dative because it is the recipient, while ein Trinkgeld is accusative as the thing given.
Die Nummer der Servicekraft steht auf der Rechnung.
The server's number is on the bill.
die Nummer means the number, steht means is written or stands, and die Rechnung means the bill. Der Servicekraft is genitive because it shows whose number it is; auf der Rechnung is dative because it describes location.
Die Servicekräfte arbeiten bis spät.
The service workers work until late.
arbeiten means work, and bis spät means until late. Servicekräfte is nominative plural as the subject, and the plural verb arbeiten agrees with it.
Die Servicekraft empfiehlt den Fisch des Tages.
The server recommends the fish of the day.
empfiehlt means recommends, and der Fisch des Tages means the fish of the day. Die Servicekraft is the nominative subject, while den Fisch is accusative because empfehlen takes a direct object.
der Sozialarbeiter — social worker
A Sozialarbeiter is a trained professional in social services. The feminine form is Sozialarbeiterin; Sozialarbeiter can refer to men or to a mixed group in the plural.
Der Sozialarbeiter hilft einer Familie.
The social worker helps a family.
helfen means to help, and einer Familie means a family. Der Sozialarbeiter is nominative because it is the subject, while helfen governs the dative, so einer Familie is dative.
Die Frau besucht den Sozialarbeiter.
The woman visits the social worker.
die Frau means the woman and besucht means visits. den Sozialarbeiter is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object, and the finite verb besucht stands in position two.
Ich spreche mit dem Sozialarbeiter.
I am speaking with the social worker.
ich spreche means I am speaking, and mit means with. mit always takes the dative, so the masculine article is dem; the verb spreche is in position two.
Das Büro des Sozialarbeiters ist neben der Schule.
The social worker's office is next to the school.
das Büro means the office, neben means next to, and die Schule means the school. des Sozialarbeiters expresses possession in the genitive; the masculine noun adds -s, and ist remains in position two.
Die Sozialarbeiter beraten die Jugendlichen.
The social workers advise the young people.
beraten means advise, and die Jugendlichen means the young people. Sozialarbeiter has no visible plural ending, but die and the plural verb beraten show that it is plural; die Jugendlichen is accusative as the object.
die Sozialarbeiterin — female social worker
Sozialarbeiterin is the specifically feminine form of Sozialarbeiter. It refers to a woman who works professionally in social services.
Die Sozialarbeiterin arbeitet in einem Jugendzentrum.
The social worker works in a youth centre.
arbeitet means works, and ein Jugendzentrum is a youth centre. Die Sozialarbeiterin is nominative as the subject; in einem Jugendzentrum is dative because in describes a location here, not movement.
Die Familie ruft die Sozialarbeiterin an.
The family calls the social worker.
die Familie means the family and ruft ... an means calls. die Sozialarbeiterin is accusative because anrufen takes a direct object; the separable verb has ruft in position two and an at the end.
Ich danke der Sozialarbeiterin.
I thank the social worker.
danke means thank. danken always takes the dative, so der Sozialarbeiterin is dative, even though English uses a direct object; danke stands in position two.
Das Gespräch der Sozialarbeiterin war sehr hilfreich.
The social worker's conversation was very helpful.
das Gespräch means the conversation, and hilfreich means helpful. der Sozialarbeiterin is genitive and expresses possession; with a feminine noun, the noun stays unchanged and only the article shows the case.
Die Sozialarbeiterinnen besuchen mehrere Familien.
The social workers visit several families.
besuchen means visit, and mehrere Familien means several families. Sozialarbeiterinnen is plural with -innen; mehrere Familien is an accusative object after besuchen.
spezialisieren — to specialize (in)
Sich spezialisieren auf means to specialize in something. It is normally reflexive and takes the accusative after auf; its perfect is formed with haben, not sein.
Die Ärztin spezialisiert sich auf Kinder.
The doctor specializes in children.
die Ärztin means the female doctor and Kinder means children. The verb is normally used as sich spezialisieren auf; auf Kinder is accusative because this fixed preposition expresses the area of specialization, and the finite verb spezialisiert is in position two.
Er hat sich auf Sportverletzungen spezialisiert.
He has specialized in sports injuries.
Sportverletzungen means sports injuries. The perfect uses hat plus spezialisiert, with the Partizip II at the end; sich is the accusative reflexive pronoun and auf Sportverletzungen is the fixed accusative phrase.
Die Firma spezialisierte sich auf Solaranlagen.
The company specialized in solar systems.
die Firma means the company and Solaranlagen means solar systems. Spezialisierte is the weak preterite in position two, while sich is reflexive accusative and auf Solaranlagen names the field.
Spezialisier dich auf eine Sache.
Specialize in one thing.
dich means yourself and eine Sache means one thing. The imperative puts the command first, followed by the reflexive pronoun dich; in the full pattern, sich auf takes an accusative phrase.
Ich würde mich gern auf Beratung spezialisieren.
I would like to specialize in consulting.
gern means gladly or would like to, and Beratung means consulting. Würde ... spezialisieren expresses a polite or hypothetical wish; the infinitive goes to the end, and auf Beratung is accusative after the fixed preposition.
Die Praxis wird sich auf Kinder spezialisieren.
The practice will specialize in children.
die Praxis means the practice or clinic, and Kinder means children. Future uses wird in position two and the infinitive spezialisieren at the end; sich is reflexive accusative and auf Kinder is the fixed accusative phrase.
der Spezialist — specialist, expert
Der Spezialist is a weak masculine noun. It takes -en in the accusative, dative and genitive singular, as well as in the plural: den Spezialisten, dem Spezialisten, des Spezialisten, die Spezialisten.
Der Spezialist arbeitet im Labor.
The specialist works in the laboratory.
arbeitet means works and im Labor means in the laboratory. Spezialist is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich suche einen Spezialisten für Computer.
I am looking for a computer specialist.
suche means am looking for and Computer means computers. Spezialisten is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; as a weak masculine noun, der Spezialist changes to einen Spezialisten.
Wir vertrauen dem Spezialisten.
We trust the specialist.
vertrauen means trust. It takes the dative, so dem Spezialisten is dative; the ending -en is required in every case except nominative singular.
Die Empfehlung des Spezialisten war hilfreich.
The specialist's recommendation was helpful.
Empfehlung means recommendation and hilfreich means helpful. Spezialisten is genitive after des to show whose recommendation it was; weak masculine nouns use -en here, not -s.
Die Spezialisten treffen sich heute.
The specialists are meeting today.
treffen sich means meet each other and heute means today. Spezialisten is the plural with die; the finite verb treffen is in position two, and sich is the reflexive pronoun.
die Spezialistin — female specialist, female expert
Die Spezialistin is the feminine form of der Spezialist. Its plural is die Spezialistinnen, formed with -innen; unlike the masculine noun, it does not have weak -en case endings.
Die Spezialistin erklärt das Problem.
The specialist explains the problem.
erklärt means explains and das Problem means the problem. Spezialistin is nominative because it is the subject, while das Problem is accusative because erklären takes an object; the finite verb erklärt is in position two.
Ich rufe eine Spezialistin an.
I am calling a specialist.
rufe ... an means call, and eine means a in the feminine accusative. Spezialistin is accusative because anrufen takes an accusative object; the separable verb places rufe in position two and an at the end.
Wir danken der Spezialistin.
We thank the specialist.
danken means thank. It always takes the dative, so der Spezialistin is dative; feminine singular has the same noun form as the nominative, but the article shows the case.
Die Meinung der Spezialistin ist wichtig.
The specialist's opinion is important.
Meinung means opinion and wichtig means important. Spezialistin is genitive after der to show whose opinion it is; feminine nouns normally keep the same ending in the genitive.
Die Spezialistinnen arbeiten zusammen.
The female specialists work together.
arbeiten zusammen means work together. Spezialistinnen is formed with -innen and takes die in the plural; the finite verb arbeiten is in position two.
die Sprechstundenhilfe — medical receptionist, doctor’s assistant
die Sprechstundenhilfe is usually the receptionist or assistant in a medical practice who arranges appointments and helps patients. The word is feminine even when the person doing the job is male; a male assistant may be called der Sprechstundenhelfer.
Die Sprechstundenhilfe nimmt den Anruf an.
The medical receptionist answers the call.
nimmt ... an means answers or picks up, and der Anruf is the call. Die Sprechstundenhilfe is nominative because she is the subject; the separable verb annehmen splits, with an at the end.
Ich rufe die Sprechstundenhilfe an.
I call the medical receptionist.
rufe ... an means call, and anrufen is a separable verb. die Sprechstundenhilfe is accusative as the person called; rufe is in position two and an goes to the end.
Ich gebe der Sprechstundenhilfe meine Versichertenkarte.
I give my health-insurance card to the medical receptionist.
gebe means give, meine Versichertenkarte is my health-insurance card, and die Karte is a card. der Sprechstundenhilfe is dative because she receives the card, while meine Versichertenkarte is accusative.
Die Nummer der Sprechstundenhilfe steht an der Tür.
The medical receptionist’s number is on the door.
die Nummer is the number, steht means is written or stands, and an der Tür means on the door. der Sprechstundenhilfe is genitive and shows whose number it is; the feminine noun itself does not change.
Die Sprechstundenhilfen organisieren die Termine.
The medical receptionists organise the appointments.
organisieren means organise, and die Termine are the appointments. Sprechstundenhilfen is the plural with -n; die Termine is accusative because it is the direct object.
der Standort — location, site
Der Standort usually means a physical site, especially for a company, shop, or facility. For a person’s geographical position, der Standort can also mean their current location.
Der neue Standort liegt außerhalb der Stadt.
The new location is outside the city.
neu means new, liegen means to be situated, and außerhalb der Stadt means outside the city. Der Standort is nominative because it is the subject; außerhalb takes the genitive in careful standard German.
Die Firma sucht einen besseren Standort.
The company is looking for a better location.
die Firma means the company, suchen means to look for, and besser means better. Einen besseren Standort is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the adjective has -en after the masculine accusative article einen.
An diesem Standort arbeiten zweihundert Menschen.
Two hundred people work at this site.
an diesem Standort means at this site, arbeiten means to work, and zweihundert Menschen means two hundred people. Diesem Standort is dative because an describes a fixed location; the verb arbeiten comes before the subject because the location occupies position one.
Die Kosten des Standorts sind überraschend niedrig.
The costs of the site are surprisingly low.
die Kosten means the costs, überraschend means surprisingly, and niedrig means low. Des Standorts is genitive and identifies which costs are meant; sind is in position two.
Das Unternehmen hat mehrere Standorte in Europa.
The company has several locations in Europe.
das Unternehmen means the company, mehrere means several, and Europa is Europe. Standorte is the regular plural of der Standort and is accusative because haben takes a direct object.
Der Standort ist für den Verkehr gut erreichbar.
The location is easy to reach by transport.
der Verkehr means traffic or transport, and erreichbar means easy to reach. Der Standort is nominative as the subject, while für den Verkehr is accusative because für always takes the accusative; ist is in position two.
das Start-up-Unternehmen — start-up company
This compound combines das Start-up with das Unternehmen, company. In the plural, Start-up-Unternehmen does not visibly change; the article die identifies the plural.
Das Start-up-Unternehmen entwickelt eine neue App.
The start-up company is developing a new app.
entwickelt means is developing, and eine neue App is a new app. Das Start-up-Unternehmen is nominative as the subject, and the finite verb entwickelt is in position two.
Die Investoren unterstützen das Start-up-Unternehmen.
The investors support the start-up company.
die Investoren are the investors, and unterstützen means support. Das Start-up-Unternehmen is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the neuter article das does not change in the accusative.
Die Bank gibt dem Start-up-Unternehmen einen Kredit.
The bank gives the start-up company a loan.
die Bank is the bank, gibt means gives, and einen Kredit is a loan. Dem Start-up-Unternehmen is dative because it is the receiver, while einen Kredit is the accusative thing given.
Die Idee des Start-up-Unternehmens ist erfolgreich.
The start-up company's idea is successful.
die Idee is the idea, and erfolgreich means successful. Des Start-up-Unternehmens is genitive because it shows possession; the final noun Unternehmen takes -s in this form.
Viele Start-up-Unternehmen suchen Fachkräfte.
Many start-up companies are looking for skilled workers.
viele means many, suchen means are looking for, and Fachkräfte are skilled workers. Start-up-Unternehmen has the same visible form in the plural; Fachkräfte is accusative because suchen takes a direct object.
das Stellenangebot — job offer, advertised vacancy
A Stellenangebot is a specific job advertised by an employer, while Arbeit means work in general. The plural is Stellenangebote.
Das Stellenangebot klingt interessant.
The job offer sounds interesting.
klingt interessant means sounds interesting. Das Stellenangebot is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb klingt stands in position two.
Ich lese das Stellenangebot genau.
I am reading the job offer carefully.
lese means am reading, and genau means carefully. das Stellenangebot is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the finite verb lese is in position two.
Ich antworte auf das Stellenangebot.
I am replying to the job offer.
antworte means reply, and auf means to in this expression. auf das Stellenangebot is a fixed phrase with antworten auf, and this auf takes the accusative, not the dative; antworte stands in position two.
Die Adresse des Stellenangebots steht unten.
The address of the job offer is at the bottom.
die Adresse is the address, and unten means at the bottom. des Stellenangebots is genitive because it identifies whose address it is; the finite verb steht is in position two.
Viele Stellenangebote verlangen Berufserfahrung.
Many job offers require work experience.
viele means many, and Berufserfahrung means work experience. Viele Stellenangebote is plural nominative because it is the subject, so the verb is verlangen, not singular verlangt.
die Stellenanzeige — job advertisement, vacancy notice
A Stellenanzeige is the advertisement itself, often in a newspaper or online. Stellenangebot focuses more on the job being offered, while Stellenanzeige focuses on the notice.
Die Stellenanzeige steht in der Zeitung.
The job advertisement is in the newspaper.
steht means is printed or appears, and die Zeitung is the newspaper. Die Stellenanzeige is nominative because it is the subject; in der Zeitung is dative because it describes a fixed location, and steht is in position two.
Ich speichere die Stellenanzeige auf meinem Handy.
I save the job advertisement on my phone.
speichere means save, and mein Handy is my mobile phone. die Stellenanzeige is accusative as the object of speichern, while auf meinem Handy is dative because it describes location.
Ich folge dem Link in der Stellenanzeige.
I follow the link in the job advertisement.
folge means follow, and der Link is the link. der Stellenanzeige is dative after the fixed expression in der Stellenanzeige for a location, while dem Link is also dative because folgen takes the dative.
Der Inhalt der Stellenanzeige ist klar.
The content of the job advertisement is clear.
der Inhalt is the content, and klar means clear. der Stellenanzeige is genitive because it means ‘of the job advertisement’; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Heute sehe ich drei Stellenanzeigen.
Today I am looking at three job advertisements.
heute means today, and drei means three. drei Stellenanzeigen is accusative plural because it is the object of sehe, and the verb still stands in position two after the time adverb.
die Stellensuche — job search
Stellensuche means the process of looking for employment, not one particular advertisement. It is often used with bei, as in bei der Stellensuche, which requires the dative.
Die Stellensuche dauert lange.
The job search is taking a long time.
dauert lange means is taking a long time. Die Stellensuche is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb dauert stands in position two.
Ich beginne die Stellensuche im Mai.
I am starting the job search in May.
beginne means start, and im Mai means in May. die Stellensuche is accusative because beginnen takes a direct object; the finite verb beginne is in position two.
Viele Menschen brauchen bei der Stellensuche Hilfe.
Many people need help with their job search.
viele Menschen means many people, and Hilfe is help. bei der Stellensuche is dative because bei always takes the dative; the finite verb brauchen stands in position two.
Das Ende der Stellensuche ist eine gute Nachricht.
The end of the job search is good news.
das Ende is the end, and eine gute Nachricht is good news. der Stellensuche is genitive because it means ‘of the job search’; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Erfolgreiche Stellensuchen brauchen oft Geduld.
Successful job searches often require patience.
erfolgreiche means successful, oft means often, and Geduld is patience. Erfolgreiche Stellensuchen is plural nominative as the subject, so the verb is plural brauchen.
die Stellung — position, job; position, opinion, stance
In employment contexts, Stellung is a job or professional position and can sound more formal than Job. The plural Stellungen can also mean positions in other contexts, so the surrounding words are important.
Die Stellung ist gut bezahlt.
The position is well paid.
gut bezahlt means well paid. Die Stellung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie sucht eine Stellung im Büro.
She is looking for a position in an office.
sucht means is looking for, and im Büro means in an office. eine Stellung is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; im Büro is dative because it describes a location.
Er arbeitet in einer Stellung mit Verantwortung.
He works in a position with responsibility.
arbeitet means works, and Verantwortung is responsibility. in einer Stellung is dative because in describes a fixed situation here, not movement; arbeitet is in position two.
Die Aufgaben der Stellung sind vielseitig.
The duties of the position are varied.
die Aufgaben are the duties, and vielseitig means varied. der Stellung is genitive because it means ‘of the position’; the plural subject die Aufgaben makes the verb sind plural.
Offene Stellungen gibt es in vielen Firmen.
There are vacancies in many companies.
offene means vacant or open, gibt es means there are, and viele Firmen means many companies. offene Stellungen is accusative after es gibt, while in vielen Firmen is dative because it describes location.
Die Partei nimmt zu dem Vorschlag Stellung.
The party comments on the proposal.
die Partei is the political party, and der Vorschlag is the proposal. The fixed expression zu etwas Stellung nehmen means to comment on something; zu dem Vorschlag is dative after zu, and the separable verb nimmt ... Stellung places the finite part in position two and the noun at the end.
Er wollte seine Stellung zu diesem Thema erklären.
He wanted to explain his position on this topic.
wollte means wanted, seine Stellung means his position, and dieses Thema is this topic. seine Stellung is accusative as the object of erklären; after the modal verb wollte, the infinitive erklären goes to the end.
der Steuerberater — tax adviser, tax consultant
A Steuerberater is a qualified professional who deals with tax advice and tax returns. The compound contains Steuer, tax, and Berater, adviser; the plural is unchanged: die Steuerberater.
Mein Steuerberater prüft die Unterlagen.
My tax adviser is checking the documents.
mein means my, prüft means checks, and die Unterlagen means the documents or paperwork. Mein Steuerberater is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb prüft is in position two.
Ich rufe meinen Steuerberater an.
I am calling my tax adviser.
anrufen means to call, and meinen means my in the masculine accusative. Meinen Steuerberater is accusative because anrufen takes a direct object; the separable verb appears as rufe ... an around the object.
Ich vertraue meinem Steuerberater.
I trust my tax adviser.
vertrauen means to trust, and meinem means my in the masculine dative. Meinem Steuerberater is dative because vertrauen takes a dative person; vertraue is in position two.
Die Empfehlung des Steuerberaters war hilfreich.
The tax adviser’s recommendation was helpful.
die Empfehlung means the recommendation, and hilfreich means helpful. Des Steuerberaters is genitive because it shows whose recommendation it was; the noun takes -s after des.
Die Steuerberater treffen sich zu einer Konferenz.
The tax advisers are meeting for a conference.
treffen sich means meet, and zu einer Konferenz means for or at a conference. Die Steuerberater is nominative plural and has no ending change; sich is the reflexive pronoun belonging to treffen.
der Straßenkehrer — street sweeper
A Straßenkehrer is a person who cleans streets; the word is a masculine job title. The plural is unusual because der Straßenkehrer and die Straßenkehrer have the same noun ending.
Der Straßenkehrer arbeitet früh am Morgen.
The street sweeper works early in the morning.
arbeitet means works, and früh am Morgen means early in the morning. Der Straßenkehrer is nominative because it is the subject, and arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Straßenkehrer vor dem Haus.
I see the street sweeper in front of the house.
sehen means to see, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Den Straßenkehrer is accusative because it is the direct object of sehe; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich danke dem Straßenkehrer für seine Arbeit.
I thank the street sweeper for his work.
danken means to thank, and seine Arbeit means his work. Danken always takes the dative, so dem Straßenkehrer is dative; für seine Arbeit is an additional phrase with accusative after für.
Die Arbeit des Straßenkehrers ist anstrengend.
The street sweeper’s work is tiring.
die Arbeit means the work, and anstrengend means tiring. Des Straßenkehrers is genitive because it shows whose work it is; the masculine noun adds -s.
Die Straßenkehrer beginnen um fünf Uhr.
The street sweepers start at five o’clock.
beginnen means start, and um fünf Uhr means at five o’clock. Die Straßenkehrer has the same noun form as the singular, but the plural article and the verb beginnen show that it is plural.
die Tagesordnung — agenda, order of business; order of business, normal procedure
This is normally the agenda for a meeting, not a daily schedule. In the fixed expression zur Tagesordnung übergehen, it means to move on after dealing with a disruption or special issue.
Die Tagesordnung ist heute besonders lang.
The agenda is particularly long today.
besonders lang means particularly long, and heute means today. Die Tagesordnung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich lese die Tagesordnung vor der Sitzung.
I am reading the agenda before the meeting.
lese ... vor means read aloud, and vor der Sitzung means before the meeting. Die Tagesordnung is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the separable verb vorlesen puts lese in position two and vor at the end.
Wir folgen der Tagesordnung Schritt für Schritt.
We are following the agenda step by step.
folgen means follow, and Schritt für Schritt means step by step. Der Tagesordnung is dative because folgen governs the dative; the finite verb folgen is in position two.
Die Punkte der Tagesordnung sind klar formuliert.
The items on the agenda are clearly worded.
die Punkte are the items, and klar formuliert means clearly worded. Der Tagesordnung is genitive because it identifies which items are meant, and the finite verb sind stands in position two.
Auf den Tagesordnungen stehen viele wichtige Themen.
Many important topics are listed on the agendas.
viele wichtige Themen means many important topics, and stehen here means are listed. Auf den Tagesordnungen is dative because auf describes a location here, not movement; the plural has the ending -n.
Nach der Diskussion gehen wir zur Tagesordnung über.
After the discussion, we will return to the normal order of business.
nach der Diskussion means after the discussion, and übergehen means move on or return. Zur Tagesordnung is dative after zu; the separable verb übergehen places gehen in position two and über at the end.
Der Vorsitzende rief zur Tagesordnung auf.
The chair called everyone to order.
der Vorsitzende is the chairperson, and rief ... auf means called to order. Zur Tagesordnung is dative after zu, while the separable verb aufrufen splits around the clause.
teamfähig — able to work well in a team, team-oriented
Teamfähig is commonly used for people at work or in group projects. It describes cooperation, reliability and willingness to listen, not simply being friendly.
Sie ist sehr teamfähig.
She is very good at working in a team.
sehr means very. Teamfähig is predicative because it comes after ist and describes the subject sie; it has no adjective ending in this position.
Wir suchen einen teamfähigen Mitarbeiter.
We are looking for an employee who works well in a team.
suchen means are looking for, and einen Mitarbeiter is an employee. Teamfähigen stands before the noun and has the ending -en because the masculine phrase is accusative after suchen.
Anna ist teamfähiger als Ben.
Anna is better at working in a team than Ben.
als means than. Teamfähiger compares Anna with Ben and is formed with -er; after ist, the comparative is predicative and has no adjective ending.
Von allen Bewerbern ist Mia am teamfähigsten.
Of all the applicants, Mia is the best at working in a team.
von allen Bewerbern means of all the applicants. Am teamfähigsten is the superlative without a noun; am belongs to this form, and the phrase follows the finite verb ist.