arbeiten
/ˈaʁbaɪ̯tən/
The English word 'work' is translated into German as arbeiten.
The verb arbeiten is used to express the action of working. While it can mean performing a specific task, it is also used more broadly for general employment and occupation. For related concepts like functioning or achieving a goal, German speakers use funktionieren or wirken.
Meaning: labour, employment, occupation, job (noun)
Which one should you use?
When referring to the concept of work or a job, you can use the noun die Arbeit or the loanword der Job, which specifically refers to a particular occupation or position. Additionally, if you are referring to the physical location where work happens, use Arbeitsplatz, meaning 'workplace'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
It is important to distinguish between the verb and the noun: arbeiten is the verb meaning 'to work', whereas die Arbeit is the noun meaning 'the work' or 'the job'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʁbaɪ̯tən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the verb arbeiten with the noun die Arbeit. Remember that arbeiten describes the action of working, while Arbeit is the noun for the concept of work or the job itself.
Did you know?
- While Arbeit means 'work', German has a specific word Feierabend to describe the precise moment you stop working for the day. It literally translates to 'celebration evening'.
- The German word arbeiten shares a common ancient root with the English word 'orphan'. In early languages, this root linked the idea of hard labour with the hardship of those without parents.
- When someone tells you Frohes Schaffen!, they are wishing you a happy and productive time while you work. It is a common social gesture to encourage someone currently engaged in a task.
Examples in context
- Er hat zu arbeiten.He has work to do.This sentence shows how to express having work to do using arbeiten.Tatoeba #13098683 by Waldelfe, translation #8400866 by Amastan
- Sie arbeiten zu viel.You work too much.This sentence demonstrates the use of arbeiten to say someone works too much.Tatoeba #455131 by al_ex_an_der, translation #454444 by CM
- Für wen arbeiten Sie?Who do you work for?This sentence uses arbeiten to ask whom someone works for.Tatoeba #8364226 by Luiaard, translation #37979 by CK
- Ich habe viel Arbeit heute.I have a lot of work today.
- Meine Beschäftigung erfordert Teamarbeit.My work requires teamwork.
- Ich hasse meinen Job.I hate my job.
- Heute habe ich viel Arbeit.Today I have a lot of work.
- Ich arbeite.I am working.
- Wir sollen hart arbeiten.We should work hard.
- 849 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are discussing their current employment status.
- LauraHast du gerade eine feste arbeiten?Do you have a steady job right now?
- MaximilianNein, ich suche noch nach einer neuen arbeiten.No, I am still looking for a new job.
- LauraWelche arbeiten interessieren dich am meisten?Which occupations interest you the most?
- MaximilianIch möchte gerne im Bereich Marketing arbeiten.I would like to work in the field of marketing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry arbeiten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arbeiten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
