What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how runs the work?" because the verb laufen (to run/walk) is used here to mean "to proceed" or "to go".
Which one should you use?
While wie läuft die Arbeit? is a standard way to ask the question, you might use Wie sieht's auf der Arbeit aus? to ask "How is it going at work?" informally or Wie läuft die Arbeit bei dir? to specifically ask "how is the work going for you?" in an informal setting. For an even more colloquial approach among friends or peers, you can use Wie läuft's im Job?
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Wie ist Ihr Arbeitstag verlaufen? provides a formal way to ask "How has your workday been?" In contrast, Wie läuft's im Job? is a colloquial option for informal situations and Wie läuft die Arbeit bei dir? and Wie sieht's auf der Arbeit aus? are both informal ways to inquire about work.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase wie läuft die Arbeit?, the word Arbeit is a feminine noun, which is why the definite article die is used.
When do people say it?
If someone asks you how work is going, a common, very short and informal way to respond is to say Läuft!, which implies that everything is going smoothly.
Did you know?
- The word Arbeit shares a surprising historical connection with the English word 'orphan'. Both words stem from a Proto-Indo-European root referring to a 'servant' or 'slave'.
- The single-word response Läuft! is used like 'it's all good' or 'it's cruising' to signal that everything is proceeding perfectly.
Examples in context
- Guten Tag, Herr Müller. Wie läuft die Arbeit?Good day, Mr. Müller. How is the work going?
- Hallo Herr Wagner, wie ist Ihr Arbeitstag verlaufen?Hello Mr. Wagner, how has your workday been?
- Hey, wie läuft die Arbeit bei dir?Hey, how is the work going for you?
- Na, was gibt's Neues auf der Arbeit?Hey, what's new at work?
- Hey, wie sieht's auf der Arbeit aus?Hey, how is it going at work?
- Wie läuft die Arbeit bei deiner neuen Firma?How is work going at your new company?
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are meeting at a cafe.
- JulianHallo Laura, wie läuft die Arbeit?Hello Laura, how is work going?
- LauraEs läuft super, danke der Nachfrage!It's going great, thanks for asking!
- JulianDas freut mich sehr für dich.I am very happy for you.
- LauraUnd bei dir so?And how about you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Arbeit, die, wie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
