working
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working
Describes a person or thing that is in a state of work or activity; employed or functioning.
Die arbeitende Bevölkerung trägt die Hauptlast der Sozialabgaben.
The working population bears the main burden of social security contributions.
'Arbeitend' (working) is the present participle of the verb 'arbeiten' (to work). It is used and declined like a normal adjective to describe a person or thing that is currently active or working.
Ein schnell arbeitender Computer ist für diesen Job notwendig.
A fast-working computer is necessary for this job.
This word is often used in sociological or economic contexts to describe groups of people. A very typical combination is 'die arbeitende Bevölkerung' (the working population).
Der arbeitende Teil der Gesellschaft finanziert die Renten.
The working part of society finances pensions.
'Arbeitend' (working) can also describe the state of a machine or technical system that is currently in operation. In that case, it means something like 'funktionierend' (functioning) or 'laufend' (running).
Die leise arbeitende Klimaanlage sorgt für eine angenehme Temperatur.
The quietly working air conditioner ensures a pleasant temperature.
active / employed
Tätig and arbeitend can both say that a person works. Tätig usually emphasizes the professional function or field, while arbeitend highlights the ongoing activity. Use tätig for a person’s professional classification and arbeitend when someone is currently at work.
Maria blieb trotz der späten Stunde noch am Schreibtisch arbeitend.
Despite the late hour, Maria continued working at her desk.
Maria ist seit zehn Jahren als Ärztin in einer Klinik tätig.
Maria has been working as a doctor at a clinic for ten years.
