Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vorstellungsgespräch | [ˈfoːɐ̯ʃtɛlʊŋsɡəˌʃpʁɛːç] (narrow) [-ɡəˌʃpʁeːç] (narrow) |
neuter |
| Interview | /ˈɪntɐˌvjuː/ | neuter |
| Bewerbungsgespräch | /bəˈvɛɐ̯bʊŋsɡəˌʃpʁɛːç/ /-ɡəˌʃpʁeːç/ |
neuter |
| Einstellungsgespräch | /ˈaɪ̯nʃtɛlʊŋsɡəˌʃpʁɛːç/ | neuter |
All forms of this word refer to a formal meeting for the assessment of a candidate or applicant. Vorstellungsgespräch is a common term for a job interview, while Bewerbungsgespräch specifically refers to an application interview. Einstellungsgespräch is used when the emphasis is on the hiring aspect of the meeting. The word Interview is typically used in a journalistic or media context, such as a reporter questioning a celebrity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vorstellungsgespräch is a compound of Vorstellung (presentation or introduction) and Gespräch (conversation).
Which one should you use?
While Vorstellungsgespräch is the standard term for a job interview, the loanword Interview is more commonly used for media or journalistic interviews.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Vorstellungsgespräch is Vorstellungsgespräche. The plural of the loanword Interview is Interviews. All four noun forms are neuter. You can also use the verb interviewen to mean to have an interview.
Did you know?
- While Vorstellungsgespräch means 'job interview', the word Vorstellung can also mean a theater performance or a movie screening.
- In German, the word Einstellung in Einstellungsgespräch can also mean the adjustment of a machine or a person's mental attitude.
- The word Gespräch shares the same root as the English word 'speech', though they diverged centuries ago.
Examples in context
- Wie war Ihr Interview?How was your interview?This sentence is useful for asking about a past experience with the form Interview.Tatoeba #1658957 by Esperantostern, translation #8263263 by sundown
- Können wir sie interviewen?Can we interview them?This sentence is useful for asking if one can perform the action of interviewing with the form interviewen.Tatoeba #4838742 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3914401 by CH
- Dieses Interview ist vorbei.This interview is over.This sentence is useful for stating that an Interview has finished.Tatoeba #10020686 by Melang, translation #3726669 by CM
- Ich freue mich auf das Vorstellungsgespräch!I am looking forward to the job interview!
- Ich habe ein Bewerbungsgespräch nächsten Montag.I have a job interview next Monday.
- Wir führen ein Gespräch über Ihre Erfahrungen.We are having an interview about your experiences.
- Guten Tag, ich habe mich auf die Stelle beworben und möchte mich für das Vorstellungsgespräch bedanken.Good day, I have applied for the position and would like to thank you for the interview.
- 56 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about a job opportunity at a café.
- MaximilianHast du morgen ein Vorstellungsgespräch?Do you have a job interview tomorrow?
- LauraJa, ich bin sehr nervös.Yes, I am very nervous.
- MaximilianDu schaffst das Vorstellungsgespräch bestimmt!You will surely pass the interview!
- LauraDanke für deine Unterstützung.Thanks for your support.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “interview” translations and entries Vorstellungsgespräch, Interview, Bewerbungsgespräch, Einstellungsgespräch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
