Appearance
Vocab: Work & office — B2 (2) ​
Work & office vocabulary at B2 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Handelssprache — commercial language, language of trade ​
Handelssprache is a compound of Handel and Sprache and refers to language used in commerce. The plural is Handelssprachen, with -n added to the feminine noun.
Handelssprache erleichtert internationale Geschäfte.
A commercial language makes international business easier.
erleichtert means makes easier, internationale means international, and Geschäfte means business dealings. Handelssprache is nominative because it is the subject, while internationale Geschäfte is accusative because erleichtern takes a direct object.
Viele Firmen verwenden eine gemeinsame Handelssprache.
Many companies use a common commercial language.
Viele Firmen means many companies, verwenden means use, and gemeinsame means common. eine gemeinsame Handelssprache is accusative because verwenden takes an accusative object; the feminine indefinite article remains eine in the accusative.
Mit einer Handelssprache können Partner schneller kommunizieren.
With a commercial language, partners can communicate more quickly.
Mit einer Handelssprache means with a commercial language, Partner means partners, and schneller means more quickly. einer Handelssprache is dative because mit always takes the dative; after können, the infinitive kommunizieren goes to the end.
Die Entwicklung der Handelssprache dauerte viele Jahre.
The development of the commercial language took many years.
Entwicklung means development, dauerte means lasted or took, and viele Jahre means many years. der Handelssprache is genitive because it identifies which language was developed; the finite verb dauerte stands in position two.
In Europa gibt es mehrere Handelssprachen.
There are several commercial languages in Europe.
In Europa means in Europe, gibt es means there are, and mehrere means several. Handelssprachen is the plural form after mehrere; in the expression es gibt, the thing that exists is grammatically accusative.
die Immobilienbranche — real-estate industry; property sector ​
This compound combines Immobilien (property) and Branche (industry or sector). It refers to the whole business sector, not to one particular property company.
Die Immobilienbranche wächst schnell.
The real-estate industry is growing quickly.
wächst means is growing and schnell means quickly. Die Immobilienbranche is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb wächst stands in position two.
Die Krise trifft die Immobilienbranche.
The crisis is affecting the real-estate industry.
die Krise means the crisis and trifft means affects or hits. Die Immobilienbranche is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine article die is unchanged in this case.
Viele Menschen arbeiten in der Immobilienbranche.
Many people work in the real-estate industry.
viele Menschen means many people and arbeiten means work. In der Immobilienbranche is dative because in describes the field or sector in which someone works.
Die Entwicklung der Immobilienbranche ist schwer vorherzusagen.
The development of the real-estate industry is difficult to predict.
die Entwicklung means the development and schwer vorherzusagen means difficult to predict. Der Immobilienbranche is genitive because it identifies which sector's development is meant; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Immobilienbranchen verschiedener Länder funktionieren unterschiedlich.
The real-estate sectors of different countries function differently.
verschiedener Länder means of different countries and unterschiedlich means differently or in different ways. Die Immobilienbranchen is plural nominative because it is the subject, and funktionieren is the plural finite verb.
die Jahresbilanz — annual financial statement, annual balance sheet ​
Die Jahresbilanz is a business and finance term for the report of a company's financial position for one year. Its plural is die Jahresbilanzen; do not confuse Bilanz with an ordinary list of yearly activities.
Die Jahresbilanz zeigt einen hohen Gewinn.
The annual financial statement shows a high profit.
zeigt means shows, hoch means high, and der Gewinn means the profit. Die Jahresbilanz is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb zeigt is in position two.
Das Unternehmen veröffentlicht die Jahresbilanz.
The company publishes the annual financial statement.
das Unternehmen means the company, and veröffentlicht means publishes. Die Jahresbilanz is accusative because veröffentlichen takes it as its direct object; the finite verb veröffentlicht is in position two.
Nach der Jahresbilanz plant die Firma neue Investitionen.
After the annual financial statement, the company is planning new investments.
nach means after, plant means is planning, die Firma means the company, and neue Investitionen means new investments. Der Jahresbilanz is dative because nach always requires the dative; the verb plant follows the fronted prepositional phrase.
Die Ergebnisse der Jahresbilanz werden heute besprochen.
The results of the annual financial statement will be discussed today.
die Ergebnisse means the results, heute means today, and besprochen means discussed. Der Jahresbilanz is genitive because it specifies which results are meant; werden besprochen is a passive construction with the participle at the end.
Die Jahresbilanzen der letzten Jahre liegen im Archiv.
The annual financial statements from the last few years are in the archive.
der letzten Jahre means of the last few years, and liegen im Archiv means are in the archive. Die Jahresbilanzen is plural, formed with -en; der letzten Jahre is genitive and shows which statements are meant.
die Kalkulation — calculation, costing ​
This word often refers to a planned costing rather than a simple mathematical calculation; Berechnung is more general for a mathematical calculation.
Die Kalkulation ist noch nicht fertig.
The costing is not finished yet.
noch nicht fertig means not finished yet. Die Kalkulation is nominative because it is the subject, and ist stands in position two.
Der Kunde prĂĽft die Kalkulation.
The customer checks the costing.
der Kunde means the customer, and prĂĽft means checks. Die Kalkulation is accusative because prĂĽfen takes a direct object; the finite verb prĂĽft is in position two.
Wir vertrauen der Kalkulation des Ingenieurs.
We trust the engineer's calculation.
vertrauen means to trust, and der Ingenieur means the engineer. Der Kalkulation is dative because vertrauen governs the dative; des Ingenieurs is genitive to show ownership.
Die Genauigkeit der Kalkulation ist entscheidend.
The accuracy of the calculation is crucial.
die Genauigkeit means the accuracy, and entscheidend means crucial. Der Kalkulation is genitive because it specifies the accuracy of what; ist stands in position two.
Die Kalkulationen fĂĽr das Projekt waren kompliziert.
The calculations for the project were complicated.
das Projekt means the project, and kompliziert means complicated. Die Kalkulationen is the plural subject, and waren is in position two.
die Kernzeit — core hours, core period ​
Die Kernzeit is mainly used in working-time arrangements with flexible hours: it is the period when employees must be present or available. It is a compound of der Kern (“core”) and die Zeit (“time”).
Die Kernzeit beginnt um neun Uhr.
Core hours begin at nine o'clock.
beginnt means begins, and um neun Uhr means at nine o'clock. Die Kernzeit is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Die Firma legt die Kernzeit fest.
The company sets the core hours.
die Firma means the company, and legt ... fest means sets or specifies. Die Kernzeit is accusative because festlegen takes a direct object; the separable prefix fest goes to the end of the main clause.
In der Kernzeit mĂĽssen alle erreichbar sein.
During core hours, everyone must be reachable.
in der Kernzeit means during core hours, and erreichbar means reachable. In takes the dative here because this is a fixed time period, not movement; after the modal mĂĽssen, sein goes to the end.
Das Ende der Kernzeit ist um vier Uhr.
The end of core hours is at four o'clock.
das Ende means the end, and um vier Uhr means at four o'clock. Der Kernzeit is genitive because it specifies the end of what; the feminine noun itself has no ending change.
Die Kernzeiten sind in jeder Abteilung anders.
Core hours are different in every department.
in jeder Abteilung means in every department, and anders means different. Die Kernzeiten is the plural subject; in takes the dative here because it describes a location or organisational setting, not movement.
die Konkurrenz — competition, competitors; competition, rivalry ​
Konkurrenz is often a mass noun meaning the competition or competing businesses, so the singular is common in business contexts. Its plural Konkurrenzen usually refers to separate competitions, rivalries, or cases of competition.
Die Konkurrenz ist sehr stark.
The competition is very strong.
stark means strong. Die Konkurrenz is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two; here the noun means competing businesses as a group.
Unser Unternehmen beobachtet die Konkurrenz genau.
Our company watches the competition closely.
unser Unternehmen means our company, beobachtet means watches or monitors, and genau means closely. die Konkurrenz is accusative because beobachten takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir mĂĽssen uns an der Konkurrenz orientieren.
We have to use the competition as a guide.
sich orientieren an means use something as a guide, and mĂĽssen means have to. der Konkurrenz is dative after an in this fixed expression; uns is the reflexive pronoun, and orientieren goes to the end after the modal verb.
Die Preise der Konkurrenz sind niedriger.
The competitors' prices are lower.
die Preise means the prices and niedriger means lower. der Konkurrenz is genitive because it shows whose prices they are; the feminine genitive article is der, and niedriger is a comparative adjective.
Neue Konkurrenzen entstehen auf dem Markt.
New rivalries are emerging on the market.
neue means new, entstehen means arise or emerge, and auf dem Markt means on the market. Konkurrenzen is plural and nominative as the subject; the plural ending is -en.
Die beiden Firmen stehen in Konkurrenz.
The two companies are in competition.
die beiden Firmen means the two companies, and stehen in Konkurrenz means are in competition. in Konkurrenz is a fixed expression; the finite verb stehen is in position two, and the noun is used without an article.
Zwischen den Geschäften herrscht starke Konkurrenz.
There is strong competition between the shops.
zwischen den Geschäften means between the shops, and herrscht means prevails or exists. den Geschäften is dative after zwischen because the sentence describes a location or relationship, while Konkurrenz is the nominative subject.
die Kündigungsfrist — notice period ​
die KĂĽndigungsfrist is the legally or contractually required time between giving notice and the end of an arrangement. The first part of the compound, KĂĽndigungs-, comes from die KĂĽndigung, and the head noun die Frist determines the feminine gender.
Die Kündigungsfrist beträgt drei Monate.
The notice period is three months.
beträgt means amounts to or is, and drei Monate means three months. Die Kündigungsfrist is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beträgt stands in position two.
Ich kenne die KĂĽndigungsfrist nicht.
I do not know the notice period.
kenne means know, and nicht means not. die KĂĽndigungsfrist is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the finite verb kenne is in position two.
Wir mĂĽssen die KĂĽndigungsfrist beachten.
We have to observe the notice period.
mĂĽssen means have to, and beachten means observe or comply with. This sentence has no dative noun: die KĂĽndigungsfrist is accusative after beachten; the infinitive goes to the end after the modal verb.
Wegen der Kündigungsfrist endet der Vertrag später.
Because of the notice period, the contract ends later.
wegen means because of, endet means ends, and später means later. wegen formally governs the genitive, so der Kündigungsfrist is genitive; the finite verb endet is in position two after the fronted phrase.
Lange KĂĽndigungsfristen erschweren den Wechsel.
Long notice periods make changing jobs more difficult.
lange means long, erschweren means make more difficult, and der Wechsel means the change or job change. KĂĽndigungsfristen is a plural subject, while den Wechsel is accusative after erschweren.
die Lohnfortzahlung — continued wage payment ​
Lohnfortzahlung is a formal legal and employment term, especially for wages paid during sickness. It is normally used as a mass noun and therefore has no plural.
Die Lohnfortzahlung beginnt am ersten Krankheitstag.
Continued wage payment begins on the first day of illness.
beginnt means begins, ersten means first, and Krankheitstag means day of illness. Die Lohnfortzahlung is nominative because it is the subject of beginnt; the finite verb stands in position two.
Die Versicherung ĂĽbernimmt die Lohnfortzahlung.
The insurance company takes over continued wage payment.
Versicherung means insurance company and ĂĽbernimmt means takes over or covers. Die Lohnfortzahlung is accusative because ĂĽbernehmen takes a direct object; the finite verb ĂĽbernimmt is in position two.
Der Arbeitgeber ist zu der Lohnfortzahlung verpflichtet.
The employer is obliged to continue paying the wages.
Arbeitgeber means employer and verpflichtet means obliged. Zu der Lohnfortzahlung is dative because zu always takes the dative; the adjective phrase zu ... verpflichtet expresses a legal duty.
Die Dauer der Lohnfortzahlung ist gesetzlich geregelt.
The duration of continued wage payment is regulated by law.
Dauer means duration, gesetzlich means statutory or by law, and geregelt means regulated. Der Lohnfortzahlung is genitive because it specifies the duration of what; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Bei Krankheit gilt die Lohnfortzahlung nur unter bestimmten Bedingungen.
In case of illness, continued wage payment applies only under certain conditions.
Bei Krankheit means in case of illness, gilt means applies, nur means only, and bestimmten Bedingungen means certain conditions. Bei takes the dative, although the feminine noun Krankheit has the same article form in dative; die Lohnfortzahlung is nominative because it is the subject of gilt.
die Meisterprüfung — master-craftsman examination ​
Die MeisterprĂĽfung is a formal qualification exam in the German skilled-trades system. Passing it can allow a person to work as a Meister or run a trade business.
Die MeisterprĂĽfung ist sehr anspruchsvoll.
The master-craftsman examination is very demanding.
anspruchsvoll means demanding or challenging. Die MeisterprĂĽfung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie legt die MeisterprĂĽfung im Herbst ab.
She is taking the master-craftsman examination in autumn.
legt ... ab means takes or sits, im Herbst means in autumn, and Herbst means autumn. Die MeisterprĂĽfung is accusative because ablegen takes a direct object; the separable verb has legt in position two and ab at the end.
Nach der MeisterprĂĽfung darf er einen Betrieb fĂĽhren.
After the master-craftsman examination, he may run a business.
nach means after, darf means may, einen Betrieb fĂĽhren means run a business, and Betrieb means business or company. Der MeisterprĂĽfung is dative because nach always takes the dative; the finite verb darf stands in position two.
Die Ergebnisse der Meisterprüfung kommen nächste Woche.
The results of the master-craftsman examination arrive next week.
die Ergebnisse means the results, kommen means arrive or come, and nächste Woche means next week. Der Meisterprüfung is genitive because it specifies which results; the finite verb kommen stands in position two.
Viele MeisterprĂĽfungen finden im Sommer statt.
Many master-craftsman examinations take place in summer.
viele means many, finden ... statt means take place, and im Sommer means in summer. Viele MeisterprĂĽfungen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; statt is the separated prefix of stattfinden and goes to the end.
die Metallindustrie — metal industry ​
This compound combines Metall (metal) and Industrie (industry). It usually refers to the economic sector as a whole; the plural Metallindustrien refers to metal industries in different countries or regions.
Die Metallindustrie beschäftigt viele Menschen.
The metal industry employs many people.
beschäftigen means to employ and viele Menschen means many people. Die Metallindustrie is nominative because it is the subject, while viele Menschen is accusative as the object of beschäftigt.
Die Regierung unterstĂĽtzt die Metallindustrie.
The government supports the metal industry.
die Regierung means the government and unterstĂĽtzen means to support. die Metallindustrie is accusative because unterstĂĽtzen takes a direct object, and unterstĂĽtzt stands in position two.
Viele Fachkräfte arbeiten in der Metallindustrie.
Many skilled workers work in the metal industry.
viele Fachkräfte means many skilled workers and arbeiten means to work. der Metallindustrie is dative because in describes a location here; viele Fachkräfte is the plural nominative subject.
Die Zukunft der Metallindustrie hängt von neuen Technologien ab.
The future of the metal industry depends on new technologies.
die Zukunft means the future, abhängen von means to depend on, and neue Technologien means new technologies. der Metallindustrie is genitive after die Zukunft to show possession; von neuen Technologien is dative after von, and hängt ... ab is a separable verb.
In Europa wachsen mehrere Metallindustrien.
Several metal industries are growing in Europe.
Europa means Europe, wachsen means to grow, and mehrere means several. Metallindustrien is plural and is the nominative subject; in Europa is a location phrase, and the plural form adds -en to Industrie.
die Mitbestimmung — participation in decision-making, co-determination ​
Mitbestimmung is especially common when talking about employees’ rights in a company. It is usually an uncountable noun, so learners normally say mehr Mitbestimmung rather than using a plural.
Mitbestimmung ist für viele Beschäftigte wichtig.
Participation in decision-making is important to many employees.
Beschäftigte means employees, and wichtig means important. Mitbestimmung is the nominative subject, and the linking verb ist stands in position two; für viele Beschäftigte is a prepositional phrase with für plus the accusative.
Viele Beschäftigte fordern mehr Mitbestimmung.
Many employees demand more participation in decision-making.
Viele Beschäftigte means many employees, fordern means demand, and mehr means more. Mitbestimmung is an accusative object because fordern takes an accusative object, while the finite verb fordern stands in position two.
Die Gewerkschaft gibt der Mitbestimmung mehr Gewicht.
The trade union gives participation in decision-making more weight.
Die Gewerkschaft is the trade union, gibt means gives, and mehr Gewicht means more weight. Der Mitbestimmung is dative because geben assigns a dative recipient or beneficiary; mehr Gewicht is the accusative thing being given.
Die Bedeutung der Mitbestimmung wächst.
The importance of participation in decision-making is growing.
Die Bedeutung means the importance of, and wächst means is growing. Der Mitbestimmung is genitive because it specifies the noun die Bedeutung; the finite verb wächst is in position two.
In Deutschland gibt es verschiedene Formen der Mitbestimmung.
In Germany there are different forms of participation in decision-making.
In Deutschland means in Germany, verschiedene Formen means different forms, and gibt es means there are. This example uses Mitbestimmung as a mass noun in the genitive phrase Formen der Mitbestimmung; in ordinary use it normally has no plural.
mittelständisch — medium-sized, relating to small and medium-sized businesses ​
mittelständisch is mainly used for businesses and the business sector, especially family-owned or independently run companies. It is not normally used as a general synonym for mittelgroß, meaning medium-sized in every context; comparative and superlative forms are possible but uncommon.
Das Unternehmen ist mittelständisch.
The company is a medium-sized business.
Das Unternehmen means the company, and ist means is. mittelständisch is predicative after sein, so it has no adjective ending; this adjective normally describes a business rather than a person.
Ein mittelständisches Unternehmen beschäftigt viele Menschen.
A medium-sized company employs many people.
Ein Unternehmen means a company, and beschäftigt viele Menschen means employs many people. mittelständisches stands before neuter nominative Unternehmen after ein, so it takes the ending -es; the finite verb beschäftigt is in position two.
Ein mittelständischeres Unternehmen könnte flexibler reagieren.
A more medium-sized company could respond more flexibly.
Ein Unternehmen means a company, and könnte flexibler reagieren means could respond more flexibly. mittelständischeres is comparative and has the ending -es before neuter nominative Unternehmen after ein; the finite verb könnte is in position two.
Dieses Unternehmen ist am mittelständischsten organisiert.
This company is organised in the most medium-sized-business-like way.
Dieses Unternehmen means this company, and organisiert means organised. am mittelständischsten is the predicative superlative after sein; it has no adjective ending, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Mittelständische Firmen sind für die Region besonders wichtig.
Medium-sized firms are especially important for the region.
Firmen means firms, die Region means the region, and besonders wichtig means especially important. Mittelständische is attributive plural with no article, so it takes -e; für die Region is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
der Näher — male tailor, male sewer ​
der Näher is a male person who sews professionally; the more general word for a tailor is der Schneider. It is a weak masculine noun: use den Näher, dem Näher, and des Nähers in the non-nominative singular.
Der Näher arbeitet in einer großen Fabrik.
The male tailor works in a large factory.
arbeitet means works, groß means large, and die Fabrik is the factory. Der Näher is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Die Firma sucht einen erfahrenen Näher.
The company is looking for an experienced male tailor.
die Firma means the company, sucht means is looking for, and erfahren means experienced. Einen erfahrenen Näher is accusative after suchen; as a weak masculine noun, Näher takes -n in this case.
Der Meister zeigt dem Näher eine neue Technik.
The master shows the male tailor a new technique.
der Meister means the master or senior craftsman, zeigt means shows, and eine neue Technik is a new technique. Dem Näher is dative because it is the person receiving something, and this weak noun has the ending -n in the dative.
Die Arbeit des Nähers ist sehr präzise.
The male tailor’s work is very precise.
die Arbeit means the work, sehr means very, and präzise means precise. Des Nähers is genitive to show possession, and the weak masculine noun adds -s in this form.
In der Werkstatt arbeiten drei Näher.
Three male tailors work in the workshop.
die Werkstatt means the workshop, and drei means three. Drei Näher is the plural subject; the plural form looks like the singular, while in der Werkstatt is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Der Näher repariert den alten Mantel.
The male tailor is repairing the old coat.
repariert means repairs, alt means old, and der Mantel is the coat. Der Näher is nominative as the subject, while den alten Mantel is accusative as the object; the weak-noun ending is not added in the nominative.
qualifizieren — to qualify, to train; to qualify, to make it through ​
The transitive use takes a person or thing in the accusative and often uses fĂĽr plus the thing they become qualified for. The reflexive use is sich qualifizieren, to qualify oneself.
Der Kurs qualifiziert die Teilnehmer fĂĽr den Beruf.
The course qualifies the participants for the profession.
der Kurs means the course, die Teilnehmer means the participants, and der Beruf means the profession. Die Teilnehmer is accusative because they are the object of qualifiziert; fĂĽr also takes the accusative.
Der Kurs hat die Teilnehmer fĂĽr den Beruf qualifiziert.
The course has qualified the participants for the profession.
der Kurs means the course, die Teilnehmer means the participants, and der Beruf means the profession. The perfect uses hat because qualifizieren takes haben, and qualifiziert goes to the end; the object is accusative.
Der Kurs qualifizierte viele junge Menschen.
The course qualified many young people.
viele means many and junge Menschen means young people. Viele junge Menschen is accusative as the object, and the weak-verb ending -te marks the Präteritum.
Qualifizier dich fĂĽr diese Aufgabe!
Qualify yourself for this task!
dich means yourself and diese Aufgabe means this task. Qualifizier is the du imperative; dich is accusative, and fĂĽr takes the accusative.
Mit diesem Kurs wĂĽrde sie sich fĂĽr den Beruf qualifizieren.
With this course, she would qualify for the profession.
mit diesem Kurs means with this course, wĂĽrde means would, and der Beruf means the profession. The wĂĽrde-Konjunktiv-II construction sends the infinitive qualifizieren to the end; fĂĽr takes the accusative.
Der Kurs wird die Teilnehmer fĂĽr neue Aufgaben qualifizieren.
The course will qualify the participants for new tasks.
neu means new and die Aufgabe means task. Futur I uses wird in position two and sends the infinitive qualifizieren to the end; die Teilnehmer is accusative.
Die Mannschaft qualifiziert sich fĂĽr das Finale.
The team qualifies for the final.
die Mannschaft means the team and das Finale means the final. Sich is reflexive because the team qualifies itself, while fĂĽr das Finale is accusative after fĂĽr; qualifiziert is in position two.
Deutschland hat sich fĂĽr die Weltmeisterschaft qualifiziert.
Germany has qualified for the World Cup.
Deutschland means Germany and die Weltmeisterschaft means the World Cup. The perfect uses hat plus qualifiziert at the end; sich is reflexive, and fĂĽr takes the accusative.
das Qualitätsmanagementsystem — quality-management system ​
This long compound is used mainly in business and official contexts. Its grammatical gender and plural are determined by the final word System.
Das Qualitätsmanagementsystem unterstützt unsere Firma bei der Planung.
The quality-management system supports our company with planning.
unterstützen means to support, unsere Firma means our company, and die Planung means planning. Das Qualitätsmanagementsystem is nominative as the subject, while bei der Planung is dative after bei; unterstützt is in position two.
Wir verbessern das Qualitätsmanagementsystem jedes Jahr.
We improve the quality-management system every year.
verbessern means to improve, and jedes Jahr means every year. das Qualitätsmanagementsystem is accusative because verbessern takes a direct object; verbessern stands in position two.
Mit dem Qualitätsmanagementsystem arbeiten alle Abteilungen nach denselben Regeln.
All departments work according to the same rules with the quality-management system.
mit means with, alle Abteilungen means all departments, and dieselben Regeln means the same rules. dem Qualitätsmanagementsystem is dative after mit; the finite verb arbeiten is in position two.
Die Wirksamkeit des Qualitätsmanagementsystems wird regelmäßig geprüft.
The effectiveness of the quality-management system is checked regularly.
die Wirksamkeit means effectiveness, regelmäßig means regularly, and prüfen means to check. des Qualitätsmanagementsystems is genitive after die Wirksamkeit; wird is in position two and geprüft goes to the end in the passive.
Moderne Qualitätsmanagementsysteme brauchen klare Ziele.
Modern quality-management systems need clear goals.
modern means modern, brauchen means need, and klare Ziele means clear goals. Qualitätsmanagementsysteme is plural nominative as the subject, while klare Ziele is accusative after brauchen.
die Qualitätssicherung — quality assurance ​
Qualitätssicherung is common in companies, laboratories and production. It names the process or department that ensures required standards are met.
Die Qualitätssicherung kontrolliert jeden Produktionsschritt.
Quality assurance checks every production step.
kontrollieren means to check, jeden means every, and der Produktionsschritt means production step. Die Qualitätssicherung is nominative as the subject, while jeden Produktionsschritt is accusative after kontrolliert.
Das Unternehmen verstärkt die Qualitätssicherung.
The company is strengthening quality assurance.
das Unternehmen means company, and verstärken means to strengthen. die Qualitätssicherung is accusative because it is the direct object; the finite verb verstärkt stands in position two.
Bei der Qualitätssicherung arbeiten mehrere Fachleute zusammen.
Several specialists work together in quality assurance.
bei means in or during, mehrere means several, der Fachleute means specialists, and zusammenarbeiten means to work together. der Qualitätssicherung is dative after bei, and arbeiten is in position two.
Die Kosten der Qualitätssicherung sind gestiegen.
The costs of quality assurance have risen.
die Kosten means costs, and steigen means to rise. der Qualitätssicherung is genitive after die Kosten; sind is in position two and gestiegen goes to the end.
Strenge Qualitätssicherungen verhindern viele Fehler.
Strict quality-assurance procedures prevent many errors.
streng means strict, verhindern means to prevent, and viele Fehler means many errors. Qualitätssicherungen is plural nominative as the subject, while viele Fehler is accusative after verhindern.
realisieren — to implement, to carry out; to realize, to become aware ​
In this sense, realisieren means to make a plan or idea happen, not merely to understand it. It takes an accusative object, such as einen Plan realisieren, and forms its perfect with haben.
Das Unternehmen realisiert ein neues Bauprojekt.
The company is implementing a new construction project.
das Unternehmen means the company, neu means new, and das Bauprojekt is the construction project. Ein neues Bauprojekt is accusative because realisieren takes a direct object; the finite verb realisiert stands in position two.
Die Stadt hat den Plan erfolgreich realisiert.
The city successfully implemented the plan.
die Stadt means the city, erfolgreich means successfully, and der Plan is the plan. Den Plan is accusative because it is the object; hat is in position two and realisiert goes to the end, with no ge-.
Das Team realisierte die Idee trotz vieler Probleme.
The team implemented the idea despite many problems.
das Team means the team, die Idee is the idea, trotz means despite, and viele Probleme means many problems. Die Idee is accusative as the direct object; realisierte is the simple past in position two.
Realisier deinen Vorschlag endlich!
Finally put your suggestion into practice!
deinen Vorschlag means your suggestion, and endlich means finally. Realisier is the informal du imperative, while deinen Vorschlag is accusative because it is the object; the subject du is omitted.
Ich wĂĽrde das Konzept gern realisieren.
I would be happy to implement the concept.
das Konzept means the concept, and gern means gladly or would like to. Das Konzept is accusative as the direct object; wĂĽrde marks the Konjunktiv II and the infinitive realisieren goes to the end.
Wir werden das Vorhaben im nächsten Jahr realisieren.
We will implement the project next year.
das Vorhaben means the project or undertaking, and im nächsten Jahr means next year. Das Vorhaben is accusative as the object; werden stands in position two and realisieren goes to the end in the future tense.
Er realisierte, dass er den Termin vergessen hatte.
He realized that he had forgotten the appointment.
dass means that, den Termin is the appointment, and vergessen hatte means had forgotten. Realisierte introduces a subordinate clause whose finite verb hatte goes to the end; den Termin is accusative after vergessen.
Erst später habe ich realisiert, wie schwierig die Aufgabe war.
Only later did I realize how difficult the task was.
erst später means only later, wie schwierig means how difficult, and die Aufgabe is the task. Habe is in position two and realisiert goes to the end of the perfect; in the clause beginning with wie, the finite verb war also stands at the end.
der Regierungsrat — government councillor, member of a government council; government council, executive council ​
In Switzerland, a Regierungsrat is a member of a cantonal executive government. In some contexts, the word can also refer to the government council as an institution, so the surrounding context is important.
Der Regierungsrat beantwortet die Fragen der BĂĽrger.
The government councillor answers the citizens' questions.
beantwortet means answers, and die Fragen der BĂĽrger means the citizens' questions. Der Regierungsrat is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beantwortet is in position two.
Das Parlament kritisiert den Regierungsrat.
Parliament criticises the government councillor.
das Parlament means parliament, and kritisiert means criticises. Den Regierungsrat is accusative because kritisieren takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Journalistin stellt dem Regierungsrat eine Frage.
The journalist asks the government councillor a question.
die Journalistin means the female journalist, and stellt eine Frage means asks a question. Dem Regierungsrat is dative because it is the recipient with stellen in this pattern, while eine Frage is the accusative object.
Die Sitzung des Regierungsrates dauert zwei Stunden.
The government council's meeting lasts two hours.
die Sitzung means the meeting, and dauert means lasts. Des Regierungsrates is genitive because it shows which council's meeting it is; the masculine noun takes -es here.
Die Regierungsräte beraten über den Haushalt.
The government councillors discuss the budget.
beraten über means discuss, and der Haushalt means the budget. Regierungsräte is plural nominative because it is the subject; über den Haushalt is an accusative phrase because the discussion concerns a topic.
Der Regierungsrat beschlieĂźt neue Regeln.
The government council is adopting new rules.
beschlieĂźt means decides on or adopts, and neue Regeln means new rules. Der Regierungsrat is nominative as the subject, and the finite verb beschlieĂźt stands in position two.
Die Entscheidung des Regierungsrates betrifft den ganzen Kanton.
The government council's decision affects the whole canton.
die Entscheidung means the decision, betrifft means affects, and der ganze Kanton means the whole canton. Des Regierungsrates is genitive to show possession, while den ganzen Kanton is accusative because betreffen takes a direct object.
der Stadtpräsident — city president, mayor (especially in Switzerland) ​
Stadtpräsident is a political title used especially in Switzerland; in many other German-speaking regions, the usual word for mayor is Bürgermeister. It is a weak masculine noun, so use den Stadtpräsidenten and des Stadtpräsidenten, not the unchanged form.
Der Stadtpräsident spricht heute im Rathaus.
The city president is speaking at city hall today.
spricht means is speaking, and heute means today. Der Stadtpräsident is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb spricht is in position two, and im Rathaus means at city hall.
Die Bürger wählen den Stadtpräsidenten.
The citizens are electing the city president.
die Bürger are the citizens, and wählen means elect or vote for. Den Stadtpräsidenten is accusative because wählen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Stadtpräsident adds -en.
Die Journalisten stellen dem Stadtpräsidenten Fragen.
The journalists ask the city president questions.
die Journalisten are the journalists, and Fragen stellen means to ask questions. Dem Stadtpräsidenten is dative because stellen in this pattern gives the recipient dative; the weak masculine noun adds -en.
Die Entscheidung des Stadtpräsidenten sorgt für Diskussionen.
The city president’s decision is causing discussions.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and sorgt für Diskussionen means is causing discussions. Des Stadtpräsidenten is genitive because it shows whose decision it is; the weak masculine noun keeps -en in the genitive.
Die Stadtpräsidenten treffen sich zu einer Konferenz.
The city presidents are meeting for a conference.
treffen sich means meet, and zu einer Konferenz means for a conference. Stadtpräsidenten is plural nominative as the subject; the ending -en is part of the plural, not an optional extra.
Der Stadtpräsident möchte den neuen Park eröffnen.
The city president would like to open the new park.
möchte means would like to, der neue Park is the new park, and eröffnen means officially open. Der Stadtpräsident is nominative as the subject; after the modal verb möchte, the infinitive eröffnen goes to the end.
die Stanze — punch, die-cutting tool ​
In everyday technical German, die Stanze is a punch or machine for cutting and shaping material. It is a technical word, so beginners may meet die Stanze more often in factory or workshop contexts than in general conversation.
Die Stanze steht in der Werkstatt.
The punch is in the workshop.
stehen means to stand or be located, and die Werkstatt means the workshop. Die Stanze is nominative because it is the subject; steht is the finite verb in position two.
Der Arbeiter benutzt die Stanze.
The worker uses the punch.
der Arbeiter means the worker, and benutzen means to use. Die Stanze is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, the article die is the same in nominative and accusative.
Mit der Stanze lassen sich kleine Teile herstellen.
Small parts can be produced with the punch.
mit means with, kleine Teile means small parts, and herstellen means to produce. Der Stanze is dative because mit always takes the dative; lassen sich herstellen is a common way to say that something can be produced.
Die Form der Stanze bestimmt das Ergebnis.
The shape of the punch determines the result.
die Form means the shape, bestimmen means to determine, and das Ergebnis means the result. Der Stanze is genitive because it identifies which tool’s shape is meant; bestimmt is in position two.
Die Fabrik kauft neue Stanzen.
The factory is buying new punches.
die Fabrik means the factory, kaufen means to buy, and neu means new. Stanzen is the plural of die Stanze and is accusative because kauft takes a direct object; the adjective has -e after the plural article neue.
Die Mechaniker prĂĽfen die Stanze vor jedem Einsatz.
The mechanics inspect the punch before every use.
die Mechaniker means the mechanics, prĂĽfen means to inspect, vor means before, and jeder Einsatz means every use or operation. Die Stanze is accusative after prĂĽfen; jedem Einsatz is dative because vor takes the dative for time.
der Tagesordnungspunkt — agenda item ​
This compound means one item on die Tagesordnung, not the whole agenda. In formal meeting language, it is often used with verbs such as besprechen or vertagen.
Der Tagesordnungspunkt steht gleich am Anfang.
The agenda item is right at the beginning.
gleich am Anfang means right at the beginning. Der Tagesordnungspunkt is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Wir besprechen den Tagesordnungspunkt nach der Pause.
We will discuss the agenda item after the break.
besprechen means discuss, and nach der Pause means after the break. Den Tagesordnungspunkt is accusative because besprechen takes a direct object; the finite verb besprechen stands in position two.
Wir widmen diesem Tagesordnungspunkt nur zehn Minuten.
We are devoting only ten minutes to this agenda item.
widmen means devote, and nur zehn Minuten means only ten minutes. Diesem Tagesordnungspunkt is dative because widmen governs the dative; the finite verb widmen is in position two.
Die Dauer des Tagesordnungspunktes ist begrenzt.
The duration of the agenda item is limited.
die Dauer means the duration, and begrenzt means limited. Des Tagesordnungspunktes is genitive because it shows whose duration is meant, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Tagesordnungspunkte werden morgen beschlossen.
The agenda items will be decided tomorrow.
morgen means tomorrow, and beschlossen means decided or approved. Die Tagesordnungspunkte is nominative plural because it is the subject of the passive sentence; werden stands in position two and beschlossen goes to the end.
der Tagungsraum — conference room, meeting room ​
Tagung means a conference or convention, so Tagungsraum is more formal than the everyday Besprechungsraum. It is commonly used for rooms in hotels, universities, and conference centres.
Der Tagungsraum ist fĂĽr die Konferenz vorbereitet.
The conference room is prepared for the conference.
vorbereitet means prepared, and die Konferenz means the conference. Der Tagungsraum is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Organisatoren suchen einen größeren Tagungsraum.
The organisers are looking for a larger conference room.
die Organisatoren are the organisers, and größer means larger. Einen größeren Tagungsraum is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the adjective has -en after the accusative article einen.
In diesem Tagungsraum findet die Sitzung statt.
The meeting is taking place in this conference room.
die Sitzung means the meeting, and stattfinden means take place. In diesem Tagungsraum is dative because in describes a location; the separable verb stattfinden puts findet in position two and statt at the end.
Die TĂĽr des Tagungsraums ist verschlossen.
The door of the conference room is locked.
die TĂĽr means the door, and verschlossen means locked. Des Tagungsraums is genitive because it identifies which door is meant, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Tagungsräume sind mit moderner Technik ausgestattet.
The conference rooms are equipped with modern technology.
moderne Technik means modern technology, and ausgestattet means equipped. Die Tagungsräume is nominative plural because it is the subject; the finite verb sind is in position two.
unbefristet — permanent, open-ended ​
This adjective is mainly used for contracts, jobs and agreements with no stated end date. The opposite is befristet, which means limited to a fixed period.
Mein Vertrag ist unbefristet.
My contract is permanent.
mein Vertrag means my contract. Unbefristet is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Sie hat einen unbefristeten Arbeitsvertrag.
She has a permanent employment contract.
hat means has and der Arbeitsvertrag means employment contract. Einen unbefristeten Arbeitsvertrag is accusative because haben takes an accusative object; -en appears after einen in the masculine accusative.
Ein unbefristeter Vertrag ist unbefristeter als ein Vertrag fĂĽr ein Jahr.
A permanent contract is less limited than a one-year contract.
der Vertrag means contract, fĂĽr ein Jahr means for one year, and das Jahr means year. Unbefristeter is a comparative used predicatively but with a masculine nominative ending because it appears before the comparison phrase as an adjective modifying the subject; als introduces the comparison.
Von den Angeboten ist dieses am unbefristetsten.
Of the offers, this one is the most permanent.
von den Angeboten means of the offers, and dieses means this one. Am unbefristetsten is the predicative superlative with am and -sten; von takes the dative plural den Angeboten.
der Verbesserungsvorschlag — suggestion for improvement; improvement suggestion ​
This compound combines Verbesserung, improvement, with Vorschlag, suggestion. It is masculine, so its article is der, and its plural is die Verbesserungsvorschläge.
Der Verbesserungsvorschlag liegt auf dem Tisch.
The suggestion for improvement is on the table.
liegt means is lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Verbesserungsvorschlag is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Ich lese den Verbesserungsvorschlag.
I am reading the suggestion for improvement.
lese means read, and ich means I. Den Verbesserungsvorschlag is accusative because lesen takes a direct object; the finite verb lese stands in position two.
Wir sprechen ĂĽber den Verbesserungsvorschlag.
We are talking about the suggestion for improvement.
sprechen ĂĽber means talk about, and wir means we. This sentence actually uses accusative: ĂĽber means about here and takes the accusative, so den Verbesserungsvorschlag is accusative; the finite verb sprechen is in position two.
Die Umsetzung des Verbesserungsvorschlags dauert eine Woche.
Implementing the suggestion for improvement takes a week.
die Umsetzung means the implementation, and dauert eine Woche means takes a week. Des Verbesserungsvorschlags is genitive because it identifies what is being implemented; dauert is the finite verb in position two.
Im Protokoll stehen drei Verbesserungsvorschläge.
There are three suggestions for improvement in the minutes.
im Protokoll means in the minutes, and stehen means are listed or stand. Drei Verbesserungsvorschläge is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the phrase im Protokoll comes first, so stehen comes before the subject.
Die Kundin hat zwei Verbesserungsvorschläge geschickt.
The customer sent two suggestions for improvement.
die Kundin is the female customer, zwei means two, and geschickt means sent. Zwei Verbesserungsvorschläge is accusative because schicken takes a direct object; hat ... geschickt forms the perfect, with the participle at the end.
Dieser Verbesserungsvorschlag spart viel Zeit.
This suggestion for improvement saves a lot of time.
dieser means this, and spart viel Zeit means saves a lot of time. Dieser Verbesserungsvorschlag is nominative because it is the subject, and spart is in position two.
verpflichten — to oblige; to require; to commit oneself; to undertake ​
The person who is obliged is accusative, and the required action is often introduced by zu plus dative. The reflexive form sich verpflichten means to commit oneself and commonly takes zu plus dative.
Der Vertrag verpflichtet beide Seiten zur Zusammenarbeit.
The contract obliges both sides to cooperate.
der Vertrag is the contract, beide Seiten means both sides, and Zusammenarbeit means cooperation. Beide Seiten is accusative because it is the object of verpflichtet; zur Zusammenarbeit is zu plus dative, and the finite verb stands in position two.
Das Gesetz hat den Arbeitgeber zur Zahlung verpflichtet.
The law obliged the employer to make the payment.
das Gesetz is the law, der Arbeitgeber is the employer, and Zahlung means payment. Den Arbeitgeber is accusative after verpflichten, while zur Zahlung is zu plus dative; hat is in position two and verpflichtet closes the perfect clause.
Die Vereinbarung verpflichtete ihn zu regelmäßigen Berichten.
The agreement obliged him to submit regular reports.
die Vereinbarung is the agreement, ihn means him, and regelmäßige Berichte means regular reports. Ihn is accusative because he is the person bound by the agreement, while zu regelmäßigen Berichten uses dative after zu; verpflichtete stands in position two.
Verpflicht dich nicht zu etwas, das du nicht willst!
Do not commit yourself to something you do not want!
dich means yourself, etwas means something, and nicht willst means do not want. The reflexive pronoun dich is accusative, while zu etwas has dative after zu; the imperative verpflicht begins the sentence and the subject du is omitted.
Ohne den Druck verpflichtete er sich nicht dazu.
Without the pressure, he would not commit himself to it.
ohne den Druck means without the pressure, and dazu means to it or to that. Den Druck is accusative after ohne, sich is the reflexive accusative pronoun, and verpflichtete expresses the hypothetical situation.
Die neue Regel wird alle Unternehmen zu mehr Sicherheit verpflichten.
The new rule will oblige all companies to provide greater security.
die neue Regel is the new rule, alle Unternehmen means all companies, and mehr Sicherheit means greater security. Alle Unternehmen is accusative, while zu mehr Sicherheit is dative after zu; wird stands in position two and verpflichten goes to the end.
Sie verpflichtet sich zu regelmäßigen Treffen.
She commits herself to regular meetings.
sich means herself, and regelmäßige Treffen means regular meetings. Sich is accusative because it is the reflexive object, while zu regelmäßigen Treffen is dative after zu; the finite verb verpflichtet stands in position two.
Die Firma hat sich zu mehr Transparenz verpflichtet.
The company has committed itself to greater transparency.
die Firma is the company, and mehr Transparenz means greater transparency. Sich is the reflexive accusative object and zu mehr Transparenz is dative after zu; hat stands in position two and verpflichtet goes to the end.
der Vertrieb — sales, distribution ​
Der Vertrieb is the sales or distribution function of a company, not an individual salesperson. A salesperson is der Vertreter or die Vertreterin; Vertrieb is usually used as an uncountable business term.
Der Vertrieb arbeitet eng mit dem Marketing zusammen.
Sales works closely with marketing.
arbeitet means works, eng means closely, and das Marketing means marketing. Der Vertrieb is nominative as the subject; mit dem Marketing is dative because mit always takes the dative, and arbeitet is in position two.
Das Unternehmen baut den Vertrieb in Europa aus.
The company is expanding sales in Europe.
das Unternehmen means the company, baut ... aus means expands, and Europa is Europe. Den Vertrieb is accusative because ausbauen takes a direct object; the separable verb splits in the main clause, with aus at the end.
Wir helfen dem Vertrieb bei der Planung.
We help the sales department with the planning.
helfen means help and die Planung means the planning. Dem Vertrieb is dative because helfen requires the dative; bei der Planung is also dative because bei takes the dative.
Die Leitung des Vertriebs beschlieĂźt eine neue Strategie.
The sales department’s management decides on a new strategy.
die Leitung means management, beschließt means decides, and eine neue Strategie is a new strategy. Des Vertriebs is genitive because it shows which department’s management is meant; the finite verb beschließt stands in position two.
Die internationalen Vertriebe tauschen ihre Erfahrungen aus.
The international sales departments exchange their experience.
international means international, tauschen ... aus means exchange, and ihre Erfahrungen means their experiences. Die internationalen Vertriebe is plural nominative because it is the subject; the separable verb puts aus at the end of the main clause.
der Vorarbeiter — foreman; team leader ​
A Vorarbeiter usually leads a small team and remains involved in the practical work. The word is different from Vorgesetzter, which is a broader term for any superior or manager.
Der Vorarbeiter erklärt dem neuen Mitarbeiter die Aufgabe.
The foreman explains the task to the new employee.
erklärt means explains, dem neuen Mitarbeiter means to the new employee, and die Aufgabe means the task. Der Vorarbeiter is the nominative subject, the employee is dative as the recipient, and the task is accusative as what is explained.
Ich rufe den Vorarbeiter wegen des Problems.
I call the foreman because of the problem.
rufe means call, and wegen des Problems means because of the problem. Den Vorarbeiter is accusative because he is the direct object of anrufen; wegen is a preposition that commonly takes the genitive.
Wir geben dem Vorarbeiter die Liste.
We give the foreman the list.
geben means give, and die Liste means the list. Dem Vorarbeiter is dative because he receives something, while die Liste is accusative; the finite verb geben stands in position two.
Die Entscheidung des Vorarbeiters war richtig.
The foreman’s decision was correct.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and richtig means correct. des Vorarbeiters is genitive to show whose decision it is, with the masculine ending -s; the finite verb war is in position two.
Die Vorarbeiter treffen sich morgens zur Besprechung.
The foremen meet in the morning for a briefing.
treffen sich means meet, morgens means in the morning, and die Besprechung means the briefing or meeting. Die Vorarbeiter is the plural nominative subject; zur Besprechung is dative after zu, and the reflexive pronoun sich refers back to the plural subject.
die Vorbesprechung — preliminary meeting; briefing ​
This is a more formal compound for a meeting before a project, event, or procedure. In everyday speech, Besprechung or Vorgespräch may sometimes be used instead, depending on the context.
Die Vorbesprechung findet morgen im BĂĽro statt.
The preliminary meeting is taking place at the office tomorrow.
morgen means tomorrow, im BĂĽro means at the office, and stattfinden means take place. Die Vorbesprechung is nominative because it is the subject; the separable verb findet ... statt has its finite part in position two and statt at the end.
Wir planen die Vorbesprechung fĂĽr Montag.
We are planning the preliminary meeting for Monday.
planen means plan, and fĂĽr Montag means for Monday. Die Vorbesprechung is accusative because it is the object of planen; fĂĽr also takes the accusative, but it belongs to the time expression fĂĽr Montag.
Alle nehmen an der Vorbesprechung teil.
Everyone takes part in the preliminary meeting.
alle means everyone, and teilnehmen means take part. Der Vorbesprechung is dative because an takes the dative with participation in an event; nimmt ... teil is a separable verb.
Das Ergebnis der Vorbesprechung war sehr hilfreich.
The result of the preliminary meeting was very helpful.
das Ergebnis means the result, and hilfreich means helpful. Der Vorbesprechung is genitive because it identifies whose result it was; the finite verb war is in position two.
Nach den Vorbesprechungen waren alle besser informiert.
After the preliminary meetings, everyone was better informed.
nach means after, alle means everyone, and besser informiert means better informed. Vorbesprechungen is plural after den; nach governs the dative, so the plural article is den, not die.
der Werbetexter — advertising copywriter ​
Der Werbetexter writes advertising copy, especially slogans and short promotional texts. It is a weak masculine noun: use den Werbetexter and dem Werbetexter in the accusative and dative, but des Werbetexters in the genitive.
Der Werbetexter schreibt einen neuen Slogan.
The advertising copywriter is writing a new slogan.
schreibt means writes, neu means new, and der Slogan is the slogan. Der Werbetexter is nominative because he is the subject; einen neuen Slogan is accusative because schreiben takes a direct object.
Die Agentur engagiert den Werbetexter fĂĽr eine Kampagne.
The agency hires the advertising copywriter for a campaign.
die Agentur is the agency, engagiert means hires, and die Kampagne is the campaign. Den Werbetexter is accusative because engagieren takes a direct object; this noun is weak, so it takes -n outside the nominative.
Die Designerin arbeitet mit dem Werbetexter zusammen.
The designer works together with the advertising copywriter.
die Designerin is the female designer, and zusammenarbeiten means to work together. Mit always takes the dative, so the weak noun appears as dem Werbetexter; the separable prefix zusammen goes to the end.
Die Texte des Werbetexters sind sehr ĂĽberzeugend.
The advertising copywriter's texts are very persuasive.
die Texte are the texts, and ĂĽberzeugend means persuasive or convincing. Des Werbetexters is genitive because it shows who wrote the texts; this masculine noun adds -s in the genitive.
Viele Werbetexter arbeiten freiberuflich.
Many advertising copywriters work freelance.
viele means many, and freiberuflich means freelance or self-employed. Werbetexter is plural with no ending, and the finite verb arbeiten stands in position two.
der Werkvertrag — contract for work; contract for a specified result ​
A Werkvertrag focuses on an agreed result, such as a finished product or repair, not simply on the time someone works. It is a legal term and is different from Arbeitsvertrag, an employment contract.
Der Werkvertrag regelt die Zahlung.
The contract for work regulates the payment.
regeln means to regulate or specify, and die Zahlung is the payment. Der Werkvertrag is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb regelt is in position two.
Wir unterschreiben den Werkvertrag heute.
We are signing the contract for work today.
unterschreiben means to sign, and heute means today. Den Werkvertrag is accusative because unterschreiben takes a direct object; the finite verb unterschreiben stands in position two.
Der Anwalt erklärt uns den Werkvertrag.
The lawyer explains the contract for work to us.
der Anwalt is the lawyer, and erklären means to explain. Uns is dative as the people receiving the explanation, while den Werkvertrag is accusative as its object; erklärt is in position two.
Die Bedingungen des Werkvertrags sind klar.
The conditions of the contract for work are clear.
die Bedingungen means the conditions, and klar means clear. Des Werkvertrags is genitive because it identifies the contract whose conditions are meant; the plural subject Bedingungen makes sind plural.
Die Werkverträge enthalten ähnliche Klauseln.
The contracts for work contain similar clauses.
enthalten means contain, ähnlich means similar, and die Klauseln are the clauses. Werkverträge is plural nominative because it is the subject; enthalten stands in position two.
wettbewerbsfähig — competitive, able to compete ​
This adjective is common in business and economic contexts. It describes something that can compete successfully, not simply something that is popular.
Das neue Produkt ist wettbewerbsfähig.
The new product is competitive.
das neue Produkt means the new product, and neu means new. The adjective wettbewerbsfähig is predicative after ist, so it has no ending and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir brauchen eine wettbewerbsfähige Lösung.
We need a competitive solution.
brauchen means to need, and eine Lösung means a solution. eine wettbewerbsfähige Lösung is accusative because brauchen takes an accusative object; the feminine adjective takes -e after eine.
Diese Firma ist wettbewerbsfähiger als ihre Konkurrenten.
This company is more competitive than its competitors.
diese Firma means this company, and ihre Konkurrenten means its competitors. The comparative wettbewerbsfähiger is predicative and therefore has no ending; als introduces the group used for comparison.
Unser Modell ist am wettbewerbsfähigsten.
Our model is the most competitive.
unser Modell means our model. The predicative superlative uses am wettbewerbsfähigsten; unlike an adjective before a noun, it does not take a noun-ending form.
die Zeitarbeit — temporary employment, agency work ​
Zeitarbeit is a mass noun and normally has no plural. Do not confuse it with Teilzeitarbeit, which means part-time work, or Leiharbeit, a more critical term for agency work.
Zeitarbeit bietet vielen Menschen einen schnellen Einstieg in den Beruf.
Temporary employment gives many people a quick start in their careers.
bietet means offers, vielen Menschen means many people, schnell means quick, and der Beruf means the profession or career. Zeitarbeit is nominative because it is the subject; vielen Menschen is dative because bieten gives something to someone.
Viele Firmen nutzen Zeitarbeit, um Personalengpässe zu überbrücken.
Many companies use temporary employment to overcome staff shortages.
viele Firmen means many companies, nutzen means use, Personalengpässe means staff shortages, and überbrücken means overcome. Zeitarbeit is accusative because nutzen takes a direct object; um ... zu überbrücken expresses a purpose.
Einige Betriebe geben der Zeitarbeit eine Chance.
Some businesses give temporary employment a chance.
einige Betriebe means some businesses, geben means give, and eine Chance means a chance. Der Zeitarbeit is dative because geben has a recipient or indirect object; the direct object is eine Chance.
Die Bedingungen der Zeitarbeit sind nicht immer fair.
The conditions of temporary employment are not always fair.
die Bedingungen means the conditions, nicht immer means not always, and fair means fair. Der Zeitarbeit is genitive because it specifies whose conditions are meant; the finite verb sind is in position two.
überlasten — to overload, to overburden ​
This verb is used for systems, schedules, workplaces, or people that receive too much demand. It takes an accusative object: jemanden oder etwas ĂĽberlasten; do not confuse it with entlasten, to relieve or reduce the burden.
Der groĂźe Andrang ĂĽberlastet das System.
The large crowd is overloading the system.
der groĂźe Andrang means the large rush of people, and das System means the system. das System is accusative because ĂĽberlasten takes a direct object, and the finite verb ĂĽberlastet stands in position two.
Der groĂźe Andrang hat das System ĂĽberlastet.
The large crowd has overloaded the system.
der groĂźe Andrang means the large rush of people, and das System means the system. The perfect uses hat plus ĂĽberlastet, with the Partizip II at the end; das System is accusative.
Der groĂźe Andrang ĂĽberlastete das System.
The large crowd overloaded the system.
der groĂźe Andrang means the large rush of people, and das System means the system. The weak-verb preterite ĂĽberlastete is in position two, and das System is the accusative object.
Ăśberlaste den Server nicht!
Do not overload the server!
der Server means the server, and nicht means not. The informal imperative is ĂĽberlaste; den Server is accusative because it is the thing being overloaded.
Zu viele Anfragen wĂĽrden den Server ĂĽberlasten.
Too many requests would overload the server.
zu viele Anfragen means too many requests, and der Server means the server. The infinitive ĂĽberlasten goes to the end after wĂĽrden; den Server is accusative as the direct object.
Die vielen Nutzer werden den Server bald ĂĽberlasten.
The many users will overload the server soon.
die vielen Nutzer means the many users, and bald means soon. Future uses werden in position two and sends ĂĽberlasten to the end; den Server is accusative.