Berufserfahrung
In German, work experience is translated as Berufserfahrung.
Meaning: professional experience (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Beruf (profession/job) and Erfahrung (experience).
Which one should you use?
While Berufserfahrung is the standard term, you may also use the synonym Arbeitserfahrung. If you want to emphasize the practical aspects of your background, use praktische Erfahrungen. The plural form berufliche Erfahrungen is used to emphasize multiple work experiences.
How does it change in a sentence?
Berufserfahrung is a feminine noun and takes the article die (die Berufserfahrung). To refer to a collection of various or multiple distinct professional experiences, use the plural form Berufserfahrungen.
Did you know?
- When an employer writes a Zeugnis to document your Berufserfahrung, they use a specific 'coded' language. A phrase that sounds positive to a novice might actually signal mediocre performance to a trained professional eye.
- The word Beruf (profession) comes from the verb berufen, which means 'to call'. In a historical sense, a profession was seen as a 'calling' or a divine vocation rather than just a job.
- The word Erfahrung is used for both professional experience and life experience, but it is derived from fahren, which means 'to drive' or 'to travel'.
Examples in context
- Haben Sie Berufserfahrung?Do you have work experience?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has Berufserfahrung.Tatoeba #1044 by MUIRIEL, translation #508311 by CM
- Ich habe umfangreiche Berufserfahrung in der Marketingbranche.I have extensive work experience in the marketing industry.
- Ich habe viel Berufserfahrung im Marketing.I have a lot of professional experience in marketing.
- Deine Berufserfahrung ist sehr beeindruckend.Your professional experience is very impressive.
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing a job advertisement.
- HannahSuchst du eine neue Stelle, Julian?Are you looking for a new position, Julian?
- JulianJa, aber ich habe kaum Berufserfahrung.Yes, but I have hardly any work experience.
- HannahDas ist kein Problem für Praktika.That is not a problem for internships.
- JulianDas stimmt, ich probiere es einfach.That's true, I'll just try it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
