Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ausbildung | /ˈaʊ̯sˌbɪldʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Erziehung | /ɛɐ̯ˈtsiːʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Schulung | /ˈʃuːlʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Unterricht | /ˈʊntɐˌʁɪçt/ | masculine |
In German, the concept of education is split into several specific terms based on whether you are referring to professional training, moral upbringing, classroom instruction or specific training sessions.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of education: Ausbildung refers specifically to vocational or professional training and the acquisition of skills for a career. Erziehung refers to the upbringing, manners or moral development of a person, often in a family context. Schulung refers to a specific training session, seminar or workshop, often in a professional setting. Unterricht refers to the actual act of teaching or the lessons provided in a classroom setting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ausbildung, Erziehung and Schulung are feminine nouns, while Unterricht is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʊ̯sˌbɪldʊŋ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use Ausbildung to mean general intellectual education, but if you are referring to general academic, cultural or intellectual development, the more accurate term is Bildung.
Did you know?
- The word Erziehung comes from erziehen, which literally means to pull or draw something out, suggesting that education is about drawing out a child's potential.
- The term Bildung became a central pillar of German identity during the 18th and 19th centuries, distinguishing the educated middle class from the aristocracy.
- In Germany, Ausbildung often refers to the dual system where students split their time between a vocational school and an actual company to learn a trade.
Examples in context
- Erziehung beginnt zu Hause.Education starts at home.This sentence is useful for discussing how Erziehung begins in a domestic setting.Tatoeba #569557 by Espi, translation #19122 by CK
- Ihre Ausbildung ist wichtig.Your education is important.This sentence shows how to describe the importance of one's Ausbildung.Tatoeba #8131958 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4498229 by CK
- Erziehung ist mehr wert als Gold.Education is worth more than gold.This sentence emphasizes the high value of Erziehung.Tatoeba #5235071 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12265466 by sundown
- Meine gute Bildung hat mir viele Möglichkeiten in meiner Karriere eröffnet.My good education has opened up many opportunities in my career.
- Er hat seine Ausbildung als Elektriker abgeschlossen.He has completed his vocational training as an electrician.
- Sie ist stolz auf ihre Hochschulbildung in Betriebswirtschaftslehre.She is proud of her higher education in business administration.
- Ich bilde mich gerne durch das Lesen von Büchern.I like to educate myself by reading books.
- Wir lernen viel über Geschichte in der Schule.We learn a lot about history in school.
- Das Zeitalter der Aufklärung hat das Bildungssystem stark beeinflusst.The Age of Enlightenment significantly influenced the education system.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking about their career plans at a café.
- LukasWas machst du nach der Schule?What are you doing after school?
- HannahIch starte bald meine Ausbildung.I am starting my training soon.
- LukasDas klingt toll, Hannah!That sounds great, Hannah!
- HannahDanke, ich freue mich sehr darauf.Thanks, I am really looking forward to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “education” translations and entries Ausbildung, Erziehung, Schulung, Unterricht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ausbildung, Erziehung, Schulung, Unterricht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
