Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Lehrerberuf | masculine |
| Lehrtätigkeit | feminine |
| Unterrichtstätigkeit | feminine |
While Lehrerberuf describes the profession of teaching, Lehrtätigkeit and Unterrichtstätigkeit refer to the activity itself. For the broader concept of teaching, particularly in higher education contexts, the formal term Lehre is used. If you are referring specifically to classroom teaching or instruction, the formal term Unterricht is appropriate.
What does it mean word for word?
Lehrtätigkeit is a compound noun consisting of Lehre (teaching/apprenticeship) and Tätigkeit (activity/occupation).
Which one should you use?
Use Lehrerberuf when referring specifically to teaching as a career or vocation. Use Lehrtätigkeit when referring to the actual act or performance of teaching tasks.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unterrichtstätigkeit is a feminine noun that specifically refers to the activity of conducting lessons or instruction.
Did you know?
- The word Lehre does not just mean 'teaching' but also 'apprenticeship'. In Germany, the period when a trainee learns a trade is called a Lehre.
- Historically, the term Lehre could also mean a 'doctrine' or a specific set of 'teachings' in a religious or philosophical sense.
- The word Beruf in Lehrerberuf is also used for 'calling' or 'vocation', implying a deep-seated sense of duty.
Examples in context
- Der Lehrerberuf begann Tom zu langweilen, und er sah sich nach einer neuen Arbeit um.Tom became bored with teaching and he looked for a new job.This sentence is useful for showing how one might become bored with the Lehrerberuf.Tatoeba #3207282 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2872383 by patgfisher
- Er gibt Unterricht in MathematikHe teaches mathematics
- Sie hat einen Abschluss in PädagogikShe has a degree in education
- Ich unterrichte Englisch an einer SprachschuleI teach English at a language school
- Sie lehrt Musik an einer GrundschuleShe teaches music at an elementary school
- Kannst du mir Französisch beibringen?Can you teach me French?
- Er arbeitet in der Pädagogik und beschäftigt sich mit Lerntheorien.He works in education and deals with learning theories.
- Sie kann sehr gut unterrichten und bringt den Schülern viel bei.She is a great teacher and teaches the students a lot.
- Lass mich dir beibringen, wie man Gitarre spielt.Let me teach you how to play the guitar.
- Der Lehrerberuf ist sehr anstrengend, aber erfüllend.The teaching profession is very strenuous, but fulfilling.
- Sie möchte den Lehrerberuf aus Leidenschaft ausüben.She wants to pursue the teaching profession out of passion.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are discussing their career choices.
- HannahWas willst du nach dem Studium werden, Maximilian?What do you want to be after your studies, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch glaube, der Lehrerberuf passt gut zu mir.I think the teaching profession suits me well.
- HannahDas ist toll, du kannst sehr gut erklären.That is great, you can explain things very well.
- MaximilianDanke, Hannah, das freut mich zu hören.Thanks, Hannah, I am glad to hear that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teaching” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
