bei der Arbeit
/baɪ̯ deːr ˈaʁbaɪ̯t/word by word
The English phrase "at work" is translated into German as bei der Arbeit.
bei der Arbeit is the most common and neutral way to say "at work" in German. If you want to specify that you are in an office, you should use Im Büro. If you wish to emphasize that you are specifically at your own desk or workspace, you can use An meinem Arbeitsplatz.
Meaning: at one's workplace (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition bei (at/near), the feminine definite article der (the) and the noun Arbeit (work).
Which one should you use?
While bei der Arbeit is the standard form, you may hear the colloquial alternative auf der Arbeit used in many parts of Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
The preposition bei always takes the dative case, which is why the feminine article die Arbeit changes to der Arbeit in this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/baɪ̯ deːr ˈaʁbaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- In Germany, the phrase Feierabend describes the specific moment you stop being bei der Arbeit. It literally means 'celebration evening' and marks the sacred transition to private time.
- The word Arbeit shares a surprising historical connection to the English word 'orphan'. Both words stem from an ancient root meaning 'servant' or 'slave'.
- In some German professional contexts, instead of saying you are 'at work', people say they are im Dienst, which literally translates to 'in service'.
Examples in context
- Rauche nicht bei der Arbeit.Don't smoke at work.This sentence is useful for giving a command regarding smoking while using bei der Arbeit.Tatoeba #12199175 by Augustus, translation #9080383 by Nylez
- Tom ist gerade bei der Arbeit.Tom is at work right now.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is currently bei der Arbeit.Tatoeba #11311466 by Malkuth, translation #3413187 by CK
- Warst du gestern bei der Arbeit?Were you at work yesterday?This sentence is useful for asking if someone was bei der Arbeit in the past.Tatoeba #13842595 by mhr, translation #13842615 by araneo
- Ich bin bei der ArbeitI am at work.
- Meine Kollegen sind schon im Büro, aber ich komme etwas späterMy colleagues are already at the office, but I'll arrive later.
- Bitte nicht stören, ich bin an meinem Arbeitsplatz beschäftigtPlease do not disturb, I am busy at my workspace.
- Morgen habe ich ein wichtiges Meeting in der FirmaTomorrow, I have an important meeting at work.
- Ich sitze gerade am Arbeitsplatz und bereite die Präsentation vorI'm sitting at my desk right now, preparing the presentation.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah calls Maximilian during his lunch break.
- HannahBist du gerade bei der Arbeit?Are you at work right now?
- MaximilianJa, ich habe nur eine kurze Pause.Yes, I just have a short break.
- HannahViel Erfolg noch bei der Arbeit!Good luck with the rest of your work!
- MaximilianDanke, Hannah, bis später.Thanks, Hannah, see you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at work” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bei, der, Arbeit) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arbeit, bei, der, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
